Studying FGF-1 and blood flow in the brain in Parkinson's disease

A few months ago I met Dan Montano, the CEO of Zhittya, Inc. They have treated me twice intranasally with the biologic FGF-1 to enhance blood flow to my brain. I had no side effects, and I'm happy to say I've been able to significantly reduce my dopamine medication levels.

Folks don't realize how much small blood vessel damage is associated with so many neurodegenerative diseases — not just stroke. I am looking forward to many more treatments for my Parkinson's. Thx Dan!

My husband was in your BVI Cohort last May '24. Then the first Sunday morning of February '25, I awoke and found him on the bathroom floor, cold and unresponsive. He had fallen and hit his head; strokes and seizures followed, all stemming from an undiagnosed UTI on top of Parkinson's. After 4 weeks of hospitalization, doctors recommended hospice care, and I had to consider planning his funeral. I called Vika and she counseled me to get him home as soon as possible and begin the FGF-1 protocol again.

Over the next year he relearned to walk, first with a walker and wheelchair. By summertime we were in the swimming pool and he started working out, walking, balance exercises, and a stationary bike. His cognitive skills have dramatically improved over the past year. He now gets up each morning and bathes and dresses himself, includes himself in family conversations at the dinner table, and his memory is wonderful.

His caregiver said her past 4 Parkinson's patients all passed away — she has never seen improvements like he is experiencing and had never heard of Zhittya or FGF-1. He recently did "sit to stand" three times from the floor without using his hands. We recognize improvements big and small since he started FGF-1. We are both grateful. Thank you, Zhittya, Dan and Vika, for changing lives.

We met our sister at Al's mother's assisted living home for Mother's Day. Al made some comment relevant to what we were talking about. His sister turned to me and said, "What was that?" I said that was Al's mask being lifted. She said, "Oh my gosh, it was like I was talking to my brother 20 years ago! It was the old Alfred!" He isn't sleeping all day and he remembers more of our recent conversations.

After his one-year follow-up scan: I know that the doctor saw a different man than he met a year ago. On some of the items he scored Al on, he rated a 0! Believe me, he was impressed!

I've had people telling me that they have been seeing huge changes in me. I couldn't go to church for quite a while because I couldn't sit still — my legs would bounce because of pain and discomfort. I had to eat with my left hand because my right side was so affected that food would go flying. I found it very embarrassing to go anywhere.

I now feel comfortable going out in public again! I've been able to start going back to church and can sit on the bench the full time. My physical therapists told me they were very impressed with how well I'm doing, especially with my balance. One of the more current improvements that has thrilled me is my handwriting — it's gotten good enough that I can actually do calligraphy again! What people need to realize is that it takes time, but I can really see the changes happening now.

It's been 14 months since I began my first FGF-1 treatment and I am incredibly thankful for the improvements I am experiencing. I have been completely off all Parkinson's medications for 9 months. I no longer struggle with dyskinesia, I sleep soundly through the night, I no longer suffer from tingling in my feet, and I have seen improvement in my balance. The better I feel, the more active I have become — I now work on physically demanding projects and travel more. For all of this, I am incredibly grateful.

Six months ago, I purchased two walkers because of my worsening instability, rigidity, lack of balance, and fear of falling. I couldn't shower myself and discussed with my wife the need for an aide. I had difficulty getting out of bed and needed assistance.

On May 20th, my neurologist stated in her physical evaluation that I had improved considerably (motor skills and balance) from my visit 3 months prior. This week I drove myself to boxing and physical fitness, Costco, Walgreens, etc., and my wife says my mood has improved greatly. I wonder why?

Al is doing extremely well! On the 4th he was jumping into conversations — which he hasn't done in 10 years! And his thoughts were so articulate and clear! We are celebrating you, Dan! Thank you — all of you — for making such a difference in our lives! (Al is the patient whose brain scan showed a 21% increase in blood flow after 6 months of FGF-1 dosing.)

My wife (Tanja) was part of Cohort 15, already 1.5 years ago, and we were the first Europeans who travelled to the BVI. Tanja has improved a lot in the last year. In summer she climbed the Rainbow Mountain in Peru: 5,200 m (17,000 feet!!) and a week ago no problems at all to walk in the mountains of the Canary Islands. The Parkinson's is not completely gone — she still needs a small amount of Levodopa, but it is reduced from 3–4 to 2 tablets a day.

Best wishes from the Netherlands.

Just saying thanks is not enough after experiencing the life-altering week we were privileged to share in the British Virgin Islands. Dan is progressing well! As we left SeaTac airport, he commented that he didn't think he was dragging his foot. After returning to work, he caught sight of his shadow and realized his right arm was swinging freely at his side! His brother and I both recognized his "mask" was lifting, his humor was quick, and his unique chuckle had returned! The FGF-1 treatments are miraculously effective.

It has only been 7.5 weeks since Brad's initial dosing. Some big first steps: Brad's moods are more consistent in a good way. I can't recall any more "freezing" where he cannot move his limbs — in fact, he's been active around the house with gardening and other hobbies. Brad had been under pressure at work to develop a new software app, and this past Friday his breakthrough finally came. I honestly do not believe Brad could have worked at the pace he did this past month before he started the FGF-1 dosing. Our spirits are lifted, and we are optimistic. Grateful and thankful.

Just want to share good news. Today I had my 6-month checkup with my neurologist. There was a drastic improvement in rigidity — none on the right side and very little in the left. I am so excited and grateful.

I am happy to report that I have been able to stop using carbidopa/levodopa — I have gone unmedicated for 6 days. During this process, I realized it was the side effects of the medication that were "keeping me sick." My nocturnal kicking and foot cramps have stopped, my constipation is noticeably improved, I am sleeping better, and my tremor is almost absent. I have increased energy and my bouts of fatigue are fewer. I am excited and encouraged by my progress. Thank you for giving me hope and renewing my excitement about the future!

Nick has his voice back — his normal voice! He's been going to a speech therapist because his voice had gotten so low, but today he had 13 patients and his voice came back and he was able to speak normally all day long. We're so excited!

Another change: Nick had such excessive saliva that he had trouble not drooling, to the point he got medication from his neurologist for it — but he's only used it a short time because that has quit too! We are so excited for these changes and so very grateful for you and Dan.

I've been using the "Juice" for quite some time now (since cohort #1). Because of some medical issues, I wasn't always able to go to church, so when people did see me they would tell me how amazed they were at how quickly I was walking now or how much healthier I was looking. But my favorite comment happened one Sunday when I decided to bear my testimony of my love for God. Our stake president's wife (a longtime friend) came up to me and said she was so impressed that she would never have been able to tell I had Parkinson's if it wasn't for the small tremor in my hand. Thank you for persevering through the hard times!

Yesterday was World Parkinson's Day. I met many people with Parkinson's, and the next morning my husband reminded me that I still don't take any medication for Parkinson's since the end of 2023, and that I still don't have an increase in symptoms. I have a slight tremor in my right hand that is much better since starting FGF-1. I also received good results from my MRIs — 14% improvement! I am thankful I found Zhittya and that FGF-1 has helped me and held off other symptoms of this disease.

I just want to thank you for giving us hope again. I have been able to appreciate my taste and smell coming back and very hopeful for other improvements to come. Have a very merry Christmas and the happiest New Year. Again, thank you so very much.

We are at the Miami airport having dinner, and Gary just told me he could taste his burger, the orange in his beer, and when we passed the Dior fragrance counter, he could smell the perfumes! I'm so pleased because I have several of those and he's not been able to smell them until now! Thank you!!

Yes, I do my movement, stamina, and overall symptoms are less and maintaining when dosing. I am on a thirty-day trip to Maine and back to Georgia right now. Hiking and biking still, thank God and thank you! I have a lot of faith in this treatment — I'm dropping my carbidopa/levodopa from 4 times a day to 3 starting yesterday. I hosted a party for 50 people yesterday and felt better than I have in years. You are on the right track.

My enunciation came back by round three! I still slur a word or two once in a great while, especially when I'm tired. My eyes stay open almost all the time now, and they become more open and alert when I start a dosing cycle. My hands have become more relaxed and my stiff fingers aren't "knotted up." My voice has improved too. My goal is to be walking by my birthday. Thank you again, it has saved my life.

I am feeling much better already since my first treatments in the BVI. A "fog" has been lifted and my clarity of thought and awareness has improved. I feel more engaged in conversations as my word finding and ability to follow the thread of thought is improving. Overall, I have more physical and creative energy. Tim summed it up when he told me, "I feel like I am getting my Judy back." I am so grateful.

I am doing very well. I'm traveling about twice a month to Tahoe, New Orleans and Las Vegas. I can walk the airports with no assistance, I work out every day and can keep up with younger women. My mind is sharper and more focused. I'm down to two levodopas a day. My voice is stronger. Thank you for your support!

Debra is doing much better than she was while at Tortola. She now gets up and down, brushes her teeth, and bathes by herself. Her drooling has stopped, and her freezing gait is almost gone. She helps me with cooking and laundry. She still has tremors in her right arm and hand, and her right leg still drags some as she walks. I attribute her improvement to multiple things: the FGF-1 dosing, a movement disorder specialist, exercising, and a new Parkinson's medicine.

Mark's new abilities are walking up and down the stairs unassisted, moving away from having his back to a wall, eating bite-sized food using a fork, sometimes getting himself to standing from a cross-legged position on the floor, and getting himself off of most chairs by himself including his recliner. We haven't noticed any regression since he started FGF-1 except when he had pneumonia. He's regained what he lost and is now progressing into new abilities. Mark does not take meds for anything.

I have also been experiencing periods of free mobility more often now. I am now able to type with both hands without any hesitations — my left hand is no longer freezing. The tremors are gone. I have reduced my Mucuna from 18g per day at the height of my symptoms to 6g per day. I am very hopeful that I will continue experiencing restored health. FGF-1 is working, I'm sure of that. May God continue to bless all that you do!

When I was in the BVI, my wife and I were discussing how to start the disability process. Now, instead of disability, I'm in charge of a major transformation project at work that involves travel at least one week a month. These are things I simply could not do before Zhittya. The symptoms are still very real, but now they are also manageable.

I am starting to see some positive changes! I'm off my antidepressant and my sleeping medicine, but I am sleeping all night. My bladder control is back and my righting reaction is kicking in (hallelujah). I haven't had a fall since I spoke with you last about increasing my dose. I am starting to regain my endurance, which is very welcomed.

Everything is going great. I reduced my intake of carbidopa from five times a day to twice a day. I am taking amantadine for dyskinesia, but I am doing so much better I cannot thank you all enough. Balance and coordination across the board — everything has been better and continues to get better with each dosage. So thankful.

Congratulations on the Nevada Right to Try law, and all of the other achievements you guys have made. It certainly improved my quality of life living with Parkinson's. It may not have gotten rid of all my symptoms, but I am much better than I would have been without it — and it still gets better after every dosing. Made a trip out to Yellowstone and a couple of Bahamas cruises. Not bad for a seventy-year-old PD guy. God bless you all and keep up the good work.

The very next day after our first day of treatment, my husband and I noticed, along with several others in the group, that our faces had softened. We refer to ourselves as The Faces of Hope. My family has noticed that my movements are smoother than before. Several months after treatment I walked through the kitchen while my son was making eggs and asked, "What is that smell?" I didn't even know my smell was not working.

Unexpected bonus after the 2nd dose — all my life I've had the problem of sweating excessively. Since dose 2, I'm like a "normal" person who only sweats with cause, like exercise or heat. Night sweats are reduced by about 80–90%! My night vision has improved too. I've started a spreadsheet with my PD motor symptoms, non-motor symptoms, and non-PD symptoms that are improving with FGF-1 treatment. I can't wait for dose 3!

V went to the neurologist for her check-up and the neurologist is amazed that V is doing so well considering she has had Parkinson's for the last 14 years — the neurologist thinks this is most probably due to the FGF-1 treatment. Patients with Parkinson's for this period of time are usually in really bad shape. So we live in hope that with the new FGF-1 protocols, V will continue to improve over time.

Mark is making some progress. It seems like his muscle cramping has decreased and is at a minimum — he doesn't take magnesium for that anymore. His chewing and swallowing has improved. He's able to get himself out of chairs most of the time when he's well rested. We are so appreciative to be included in this study; I haven't found any other recovery options available.

My husband and I were talking the other day and he said "what do you think is the percentage of your improvement" and I said 10%. We then talked about the areas of my improvement and he decided it is more like 20%. My handwriting is better, I can smell things better sometimes, my toes do not cramp up as much, I do not stumble or have a missed step in my aerobics class, my walking is a little better, and I seldom shout out at night or have a nightmare. I thank you, Dan, and Sam for everything. Bless you.

It's going well, Vika. I am feeling good and having more energy and more times when my tremors stop, so things are improving.

Bic had heart rhythm issues a year ago that led to her passing out. The local cardiologist-electrophysiologist refused to put in a pacemaker, saying she was too small and it wouldn't make a difference since her Parkinson's was fairly advanced, and suggested hospice. I disagreed; a second opinion agreed with me and the pacemaker was placed. She has definitely felt mildly improved with each dose of FGF-1, and I give credit to FGF-1 in her ability to function better. We are truly indebted to you. Thank you so much!

The nebulizer looks interesting and I'd like to try it. Improvements continue. I presented at a technical conference in February and received some excellent feedback. I could not have done this a few years ago. Thank you!

One of the reasons I am anxious to start back up is that both my GP commented — unsolicited — that my speech had improved, and she did not know I was doing this pilot. My neurologist commented that my symptoms did not worsen, which is a first.

Eager to receive and begin re-dose. I have successfully cut back on levodopa and plan to continue reducing intake. Thanks for all you do!

Good morning — his mind is getting clearer. I'm super excited to see how he does with the nebulizer-style treatments.

Tomorrow will be my 2nd day of dosing using the new protocol of 15 seconds of dosing followed by 1 minute resting between doses until the small vial of FGF-1 is completely gone. Using the nebulizer is an ideal method of dosing compared with the older, less-than-ideal spray! Thank you for coming up with this better alternative.

I have a question regarding the FGF — is what I received the same strength as before? The reason I ask is because I feel different after my second dose! It is slight but I do feel better. It's kind of hard to describe but it is noticeable, and I am currently not on any Parkinson's meds.

Thank you! I feel good, less fatigued, better voice quality except when I'm tired — I still slur. My right hand is getting better, but my left side is having symptoms I haven't had before. That said, hopefully it's as bad as it's going to get and will start getting better. Thank you for all you and Dan and your staff have done for us.

I continue to work half time with plans to cut to quarter time in May as I'm approaching 67 this fall. In general my constipation is improved; fatigue is a factor; my hands remain my most significant symptom. Nonetheless I have much to be thankful for. Thanks for all your hard work and thanks to everyone at Zhittya.

My sleep has become deeper and a solid six hours now. I have developed tongue chewing, which is annoying but is controllable with focus. My brain fog is all but gone, with one or two episodes a day.

In general, most things are improving. My sense of smell has returned somewhat — I can smell lilacs and orange blossoms that I had not smelled in 25 years. My balance and gait are also better at times. My handwriting is getting better and my golf game has improved — I can finish 18 holes and have dropped 5–10 strokes off my score. My drooling has improved.

My freezing gait has not gotten better; I stumble a lot, but my balance is better so I tend to catch myself. My left-hand tremor is still there and at times seems worse. Fatigue is a continual problem. It seems to be a learning experience of balance that I am still trying to figure out.

I have been overall doing well. Since I began as a research participant for FGF-1, I have been able to stop taking Amantadine and Mirapex. With my present dosing of meds, I am "Cinderella-free" of bothersome symptoms for about 6 hours, but after that period my symptoms return. I believe I am making some progress — my neurologist is pleased to see how I am doing on reduced meds. I am also enjoying the return of my handwriting. I send this note to communicate my continued progress — slow but real. I believe FGF-1 is helping me.

I would say that I'm doing reasonably well, but I feel as if things have leveled off since my last dose in November. I am hoping this round continues to attack symptoms that started coming back in June. I stayed off Carbidopa. I'm having some tremors from time to time and some anxiety, which I'm hoping will improve with more angiogenesis and neurogenesis from this dose. I take great interest in your neuropathy work, as my right leg continues to exhibit neuropathy. Look forward to round two!

We truly appreciate, because [the patient] feels like she has no Parkinson’s.

Hello, Things look amazingly good, and I am really happy for all of us.

It was nice talking to you. I promised Dan an update so here's where I am. I am Monkey 14. Cohort 2. I have had results that are nothing but positive. I left BVI two years ago claiming that I was stronger, and my fog was lifting even as I left.

I thank God every day for the return of my brain. The most critical item I was initially worried about getting back was my physical abilities, walking, not walking and tremoring-stepping my way around, shuffling like an old man. I was not very smart.

As I let time run its course to literally re-build the fabric of my mind and repair my shaky body. It was my mind that returned stronger and with less regression first. Though I was always a vain man and somewhat narcissistic my concern over my physical ailments, that whole distraction from what mattered seemed to pale in comparison all of a sudden one day. It came to me very sure and without warning about six months into the treatment. I could remember things again. Not just someone's phone number but what color my first Porsche was - Vesuvian. A deep shade of purple lol. Dawn Wells was Mary Ann and Alan Hale was the skipper on Gilligan's Island. I noticed this while watching TV at Chili's one afternoon sipping an Arnold Palmer and not chugging a beer.

Suddenly I had a prescient feeling. That is how my world works. It would help you to understand that I don't really know where I am going or what the plan is for me, but I am being led. It is a feeling that all is right. It is a feeling of now is the time. And it says to me - don't worry I've got your back. I trust that feeling with every fiber in my FGF1 marinated body and, more importantly, all of my soul.

I had such a feeling starting my business in 1985. 31 years and 300 million in revenue and hundreds of satisfied clients. So certain was I that I did it all with only one single down quarter in revenue and always profitable. It was as near too perfect because we were led by that power who leads me and I filled it with gas, trusted my certainty and put the petal to the metal. We created a world of success that had no outside salesman or giant marketing budget. A world without a competitive replacement of our software application. Such a place existed because I knew it was right and I did not question my place in it. These feelings have always been reserved for me to simply become aware of my surroundings. They are never gradual. It is a whack on the noggin. Awareness follows. I never seemed to have to learn anything new - it was always like remembering. I swear it was my Grandmother, bless her soul. She lifted me above the clouds and thought I was the luckiest little kid alive. She used to say that every time I needed a quarter I would be standing there with a dollar in my hand and who, if it dawned on me that I needed anything, could sell refrigerators to Eskimos.

Parkinson's ruined all that for me. Suddenly, bereft of that powerful force leading me ever since I was a child. Parkinsons had crushed my world. I was not being led; I didn't remember how to follow.

I actually found Zhittya soon after my diagnosis before I lost my way. Eight years before my treatment. I was certain of it. I never once looked elsewhere. I knew that I had been led here to fix me. I remember calling Dan and telling him that I was a volunteer to him and all he had to do was ask. I wished to be Monkey Number 1. I made it as Monkey #14 AND I SHAVED IT INO MY HEAD IN BVI. I didn't even follow it that close I just called one day 8 years later, and I barely missed with Sam to get in Cohort #1. My Grandmother's influence helped tee it up for me as my mother paid my way because life had turned south for me and luckily for me, she secured my monkey way. My force was trying to awaken me.

As I flew home from BVI I knew I had made a good decision. I kept telling everyone about it and they all though it was rather quick to be "cured", I think it likely was, but my brain is a powerful influencer in my life, and I didn't like taking NO for an answer but Pd had made me a NO show.

All of the things I had secretly hoped for returned and after my second dose of Juice about a year into the game my wish had come true. I could listen and remember. I was out front again, thinking I had it all back. A year ago, I had it all figured out - but I didn't. It is a reality that you need to recover your brain. Then you have to temper its application a lot. Be careful if not cautious in your decisions and seek help when you need it. Its ok, soon enough it is normal again.

I made a lot of mistakes and that is not the fault of FGF1. I was in a hurry and I screwed some stuff up. I finally got on SSDI so I don't work. I need to but am patient now as more time goes by and my calm brain is holding off my get rich quick brain. It will find me when it is time. My quest has begun and I'm certain whoever needs me will find me happily waiting for them.

My perspective is this and I hope I offended no one with the telling of my tale. The magic exists in Dan and Vika, Jack and Sergiy and Sam and all the rest. They are making a difference and their efforts are golden in my book. I have recovered all my memories. I am calm again. My heart sings with happiness that I am back and cries mournfully for all that I missed, broke and squandered because of PD.

I say this in awe of the reality of the situation - there are days I cannot remember I had PD. 15 years. 5 million pills. I know it was all real but now I like to think it was all a bad dream and I pray for all of you and wish for you to find the surety in your heart and soul about your decision and I have asked the force who leads me to help more like me. God came to me and brought me Zhittya - I pray that whatever you believe in does the same for you. Good luck and Godspeed. Kevin Monkey #14

Dear Ms. Vika, My name is Bic. I’m sending you the result from my last treatments with FGF-1. Started out with six days (twice per day). By the third day, I started to breathe about 80% better! I got so excited because for about 15 years I couldn’t breathe well! By the fifth day, my stiffness and tremors began to go down, the improvements were also about 80%! With less stiffness, I could swallow better, and fine motor skills improved. I got much better control of my overall body movements. My sense of smell came back a little. After six days of dosing, I took three weeks off then back with three days of dosing. At this time, my improvements continued until after the second round of being dosed. After that dose, the breathing improvement decreased from 80% to 50% but holds steady. I need to mention that the breathing improvement helps me speak louder and clearer and I can also sing a little again! The stiffness and tremors improvements also decreased from 80% to about 50% but also still hold. My blood pressure was swinging wildly from 180–190 systolic down to 85–90 systolic. Had to take medicine daily when it zoomed up. After the 6-day treatment period, the blood pressure has been not swingling so wildly, and am taking the blood pressure medicine only about 1-2 times a week, when the blood pressure spiked. (It may be that the decreased stiffness lowered the measured blood pressure). Finally, my constipation control has required only occasional Milk of Magnesia use. In fact, for a while had diarrhea, so had to stop using MOM altogether. Thank you so much for accepting me as one of your lab rats. This lab rat is very grateful and happy! Warm wishes, Bic

Dear Dan & Team Zhittya, I thought it appropriate to let you know that this last 2 times I used the nasal spray, (or the Juice as you Zhittya guys call it) WOW, what a difference I saw! After the 2nd day I noticed a drop in the need for my primary Carbidopa- Levodopa Medication that I use, Rytary. As I’m sure you know, Rytary is time release capsule that lasts me approx. 2 hours 45 min – 3 hours 15 min before I crash, so to speak. (So about 3 hrs.) So, on day 2, during my 3rd dose of the day, I went from 3 pills every 3 hrs to 2 pills every 4–5 hours and by the 4th day, BAM I went from THREE 48.75-195 mg pills, every three hours to initial dosage of 3 pills, then only 2 pills every 4.5-5 hours all day. And my last dose was about 7:00 PM, my meds lasted all night until the next morning! And that was a Monster HR!!! Unbelievable, Wow what an upgrade!!! It may not seem like much, but it’s amazing what a small change like this can do for you, and how much better it makes your quality of life. To be honest, until this happened, I didn’t think I saw any changes. I personally made a change in my dosing of my Rytary from just taking 3 pills every 3 hours based on the clock, to spreading it out a bit more and taking the Rytary over a min of 15 mins, ideally, 30 mins is, divided into thirds. When I take it this way, I just feel better and I can listen to my body better, as opposed to the Clock. (Which is often a bit off and helps create medication build- up)

On this day, I was leaving for the gym at noon until 1:00 for a VERY demanding group class I take. I took my 1st dose of Rytary @ 11:30. My 2nd dose @11:45 and I got very busy, felt great and my body wasn’t asking for the 3rd dose, so I forgot to take it at 12:00 when I should have. And when I got home about 1:30, I sat at my desk, looked down and there was my 3rd dose! Wozza and I never missed it. So, I waited until my meds ran out and it took almost 5 hours with just 2 pills! WONDERFUL! Absolutely Wonderful!!

As GREAT as it was, just a few days later, without the nasal juice, my body reverted back to its old dosing schedule :<( I am back to 3 pills every 3 hours starting about a month ago. (so that lasted about 6–7 days) And I just finished the last of my juice 1 week ago, with essentially the same results, but for the 1st day off of the juice, my body was craving a higher dose of the Rytary, then my previous standard. For a day it was craving 4 pills every 3 hours, but I’m only giving it 3 ½ through lunch, then back to 3 pills every 3 hours…

So, I am finally seeing noticeable improvement and change greater than 1%-2% and would like nothing more than to lessen my need for Rytary (It’s REALLY Expensive-about $2,000 a month) but, I’m now out of nasal spray. Sincerely, Larry X

This is my testimony, Vika. Hi to whom it may concern, this is what I experienced after 3 months of my BVI'S cohort last February. I was taking 2 Levadopa pills every four hours, day, and night. But then I noticed that my feet weren't shaking at all, even if I missed the 4 am pills so I decided to stop taking the Levadopa. I didn't [realize] that this was a big no-no as I could of had adverse reactions to this. My reasoning was that my brain had created blood vessels around the dopamine producing area that caused my tremors. I did continue to need 1 pill at night for about a week, but I stopped that after the tremors disappeared completely. Obviously, I was overjoyed because now, without Levadopa my chances of developing bradykinesia is remote at best. I'm glad to inform you I haven't needed Levadopa since then and I owe it all to the FGF-1 molecules I received at the BVI'S cohort in February of 2023.

Just so you know, Vika, I went from needing 12–14 pills a day to [now needing] two pills, one in the morning and one in the evening, after the 3rd month of the BVI cohort.

To Vika: Let's just say I am daily thankful for you guys! His downward slide stopped in BVI, and there has been progress. I think I already told you that his typing ability is back up to "speed" — well, he's never been a great typer, but he is no longer hunting and pecking. Before BVI, his 8-hour day of 13 or so patients half killed him. Now, he's moved to tens--up to 19 patients, and he is killing it!! He rarely drags his left leg when he walks (he used to look like Lurch). He has no trace of a "mask," and no longer has occasional trouble with finding the right words. So many different things. Again, thanks!! Jacque

Good Morning Vika, I continue to have excellent results and will keep you apprised of developments as they occur. As I told Mr. Montano in our conversation, my neurologist is going to retire at the end of the year. After the examination he performed at the end of June, he seemed genuinely astonished at the results. He declared I had no further physical symptoms of Parkinson’s except for loss of balance and poor gait. He also said the DBS is causing most of my problems. More on this saga later… With Best Regards, Joe

Dear Zhittya team, I wanted to share an update on my experience since starting the FGF-1 treatment for Parkinson’s under the current protocol. I am truly grateful for the strides Zhittya Genesis Medicine has made in this research study, as I’ve already noticed positive changes in both physical and cognitive symptoms. The most noticeable improvement has been with my tremors. They have significantly decreased in both frequency and severity, allowing me to regain control over movements I once found challenging. For the first time in a while, I am able to eat with my right hand again, a milestone that brings a renewed sense of independence and confidence. I’m a 4.0 pickleball player and a 10-handicap golfer which amazes all my friends and me sometimes, but it’s so much fun :-). Additionally, my cognitive clarity has improved. I feel that my mind is less “foggy” and I can engage more fully with daily tasks, which has uplifted my quality of life. These developments give me hope and encouragement as I continue the treatment under the updated protocol. I am excited to continue making progress under this protocol and feel optimistic about what each new phase of treatment may bring. Thank you for the dedication and research that make these results possible. I am eager to see what the next steps hold. Warm regards, Bobby

Hi Vika Here is Mark’s accomplishment today. He walked one big lap down and up our driveway without any interventions from me. We both got emotional when that happened. He’s still recovering function from when he had Covid pneumonia the first part of September. On Tuesday he will receive his dosing. We’re praying for even more recovery. We’re very excited! Sue and Mark

Dear Dan and Vika and Team, Lab rat #2 reporting my progress. There have definitely been improvements since I started the FGF-1 factor even though I have been through some major medical issues not related to Parkinson’s that lasted for about a year. During this time, I lost a lot of ground, but when I was able to use the “juice” again things so started improving again.

I want to list some of the gains that have occurred during this time. I am definitely beginning to feel so much better, the anxiety and depression I was experiencing are greatly reduced. I want to be around people again, I’m enjoying playing board games with my kids and grandkids and just hanging out with friends and family. I’m thinking clearer again, the brain fog is lifting. My voice is stronger. My sense of smell has gotten a little better. An example of this, my husband and I went for a walk and I could actually smell someone barbecuing. I am also enjoying being able to smell some flowers and perfume, something I haven’t enjoyed for a long time. I have more energy and endurance.

My energy has vastly increased. I can now walk up to around 8,000 steps a day compared to a year ago where I was walking about 3,000 steps a day. Two years ago, I struggled getting out of bed and I had trouble turning over, now I just pop up and get out of bed with greater ease and can turn over better. I can now do 16 sit ups, where before I could barely do one! My husband was dressing me every day and now I am able to get myself ready with very little help. It has taken several years to get into the pool and I am able to do it by myself. My mobility in general is improving. I am not freezing like I was, especially when I try to turn around. A couple of days ago my husband and I were actually dancing together in the family room to John Denver. It was so much fun and made me so happy!

My balance has improved. I am walking considerably faster and I’m not shuffling my feet like I was.

I am experiencing improvements with my bowels. I am not leaking like I had been and the constipation is under control. My trips to the bathroom are not as urgent.

The pain in all areas that’s from the PD is improving. I have reduced my pain medication by approximately 50%!

There is a change in the tremor. When I am at complete rest, I can sometimes make the tremor stop for a several seconds or up to a few minutes. Some days are better than others.

My quality of life is so much better! I am so grateful to your company for giving me hope again.

Hi Vika and crew, I think FGF-1 is amazing. I have had Parkinson's for 20 years. The last few years have been downhill, especially after I had broken a few bones. So, when we heard about the study, I decided it was definitely something we should try. If not for us, for all of those suffering from PD. In a few months after being dosed in BVI. I began to feel like my old self again. My tremor was better, my step was higher, my mood definitely better. Things are not perfect of course, but I will take whatever help I can get and that seems to be FGF1. There is one other thing that Is a good side effect.

Hello Vika, this is Joe from cohort 11. I wanted to share some good news. If you remember in our last video chat, I was not showing much improvement and was almost worse in some aspects. A few weeks after finishing the last treatment you sent us, I noticed some changes, as did my partner and my brother. I had been suffering from leg freeze, imbalance, difficulty in turning to face a different direction, among other things. One day I was getting in the car to go somewhere, and my partner could not believe how quickly and easily I sat down. Another day I was putting dishes into the dishwasher and did not realize, until after a few movements, I was turning to face the other direction with ease. Also, my brother has a large dog that loves to be under foot. When I was there, he would constantly be directing his dog to a different part of the room, so that I didn’t trip over him. This day, though the dog was in the way, but I just stepped sideways over the dog without stumbling or losing my balance. My brother just looked at me and disbelief and said look at you! Since then, the imbalance has almost disappeared, I have not had any instances of leg, freeze, I am getting in and out of bed with much more ease than I used to, I can get out of the chair more easily, and I can go shopping at the store without being exhausted once I am finished. These are not the only things that have improved and I do still have symptoms, but they are manageable. I can tell you that I would say I have had at least a 50% improvement in my symptoms, and for the first time in a long time, I am experiencing more hope than dread about my future. I want to thank you for your continued efforts, and I hope you still plan on follow up treatments. I look forward to our next video chat so you can see the improvements for yourself. Thank you and God bless! Sincerely, Joe, cohort #11

Hello, Vika. This is Steve XXXXX of cohort 18, Lab Rat #98. Last Friday afternoon I met with Bonnie Lyons and reviewed my Parkinson’s status. Improvements are my drooling has stopped, napping has stopped, the chronic fog is absent. Fatigue and apathy are still lurking but at a lesser strength. The speed of my hand tremor is estimated to be 50% less and the muscles in my left arm are relaxing to where I can easily ball my fist and relax it. My sleep is 5 to 6 hours a night with REM. I am pleased with these improvements. Best regards, Steve

Good morning, Vika, I just wanted to let you know that I’m not taking any Parkinson’s medication now and feeling better without it. I can’t really describe how I’m feeling, but there is something happening and it’s all good. The only way I can describe it is I feel like my body is trying to reboot over and over again. I have short periods of time where I feel really, really good and then back to where I know I have the disease. I was able to play soccer with my son yesterday and from the looks I was getting from him and my wife, they were very surprised. I just thought this was a significant development and didn’t know if anybody else was experiencing this?

Something which was quite amazing and noteworthy is the fact that last week, [patient 3] suddenly started remembering details from when she worked at a bank 20 years ago. Key clients’ account numbers and company details flashed back to her memory clearly. She normally had an excellent memory, but this was crazy, as I can barely remember what I did yesterday.

I am just this week playing pickleball again. I tremor (going into my off-state), but my neck pain has improved enough to finally play! I grip my paddle harder, and my balance is still good. I went off my Rasagiline and ever so slightly reduced the C-levodopa!

My dear friend, I am sure Vika keeps you informed as to how I am doing but I wanted to touch base with you directly and thank you. Your endless energy and dedication promoting FGF-1 is paying off. At 6.5 months I am noticeably better - more energy, stronger and happier. I still have a long hill to climb but it’s no longer daunting. I am thinking clearer, and my memory has improved significantly! As Vika pointed out to me, I am a professional Lab Rat. I am so grateful for my opportunity to be a part of finding a cure for Parkinson’s. Regards, Penny

Hi Vika, Quick update, I had a check up with a new neurologist. One of his questions was to spell the word "WORLD” backwards. I did it so fast he took a double take. He asked if I had been asked to do that before. I have not. I spelled it without even thinking about it. Cognitive ability is doing great! Best, Courtney

Vika, I thought I would share this with you. Joey has had a dramatic decline in number of hallucinations. We have not taken the noon C/L in the last few weeks. So that means he is currently taking 1 1/2 C/L in the morning and at night. I believe the FGF-1 has really been helping. So, looking forward to seeing more improvements in the future! Thank you so much for your care and service to us. God Bless you, Linda

Dear Vika, Just got back from the Neurologist office. Good news! She noted how good his movements are, and she asked if we are still using that "nasal thing". I told her were still dosing with FGF-1 and explained again the process. She said it must be working because his movements at improving. So, we are cutting back on the Carbidopa/Levadopa (which she said causes hallucinations and delusions) each week until he is completely OFF of it! We will watch to make sure his movements are not affected. Joey now seems much more encouraged with the success she has seen. He seems happier. I believe he now sees that there is hope, and he CAN fight it. I want to thank you so much for your help during the trying time after my hip replacement. The encouragement you gave and the updated FGF-1 and new protocol, I believe, has been just what he needed. His hallucinations still persist, but the delusions have subsided. To keep you updated, he is now on xxxxx, xxxxxxx, xxxxxxxx and xxxxxxx. You, Dan and Dr Jacobs are so wonderful. You don't know how much we appreciate you. Please keep us in your prayers. God Bless you all, Linda

Bob has cut back on his carbidopa/levodopa to three pills a day from 5-6, before. We went to his neurologist in October and he asked if he was still taking the FGF1 and he said yes. He said Bob was doing much better than he expected. He also commented that this gives him (the doctor) hope. The doctor was aware that Bob had cut back on his pills. We are going to try to lower this even more in the future. Bob has fallen several times but is learning to be more careful when he moves. Still plays golf 2 times a week and has been exercising more. God Bless you guys for all you are doing for us.

Feb. 21, 2024 Dear Friends and Cohort 20 We are sharing together our progress from our time together in British Isles. I want to share my improvements. 1. Voice and speaking – I am speaking louder and people are understanding me better. 2. Appetite is better – I am beginning to enjoy the smells and tastes of food. 3. Fewer hallucinations – only one the last month. 4. Cognitive improvements: Less brain fog – less confusion, few tremors –mostly at night, still some posture issues Some walking issues – can’t walk too far without getting tired, have to sit and rest I am reminded of this quote: “Parkinsons is a chronic, progressive disease.” – How true. So glad that we are able to cope with it. I feel better and am more optimistic about more improvements. Blessings on you, Joey

Hello Vika, Hope and pray that you are well and healthy. Thank you very much on your newsletter that was received last week and I must congratulate on the progress that you[r] team is making on finding a cure for in my case Parkinson’s disease and various other diseases. I was part of the lucky ones that was chosen as a lab rat by your colleagues for the cohort 18 when we were invited to join other lab rats from various countries and I was the first one from Zambia. I would like you to note my progress on the treatment from Zhittya the dosing of the fgf1 that started in the bvi and continued in Zambia. Please find below the details of my Parkinson’s disease which was first diagnosed in the later part of 2017. My first line of treatment was through a neurological doctor in South Africa who started me on a dosage of 25/100 carbilev normal fast acting tablet 5 times per day starting from 5 am morning than followed by the second at 9am, then dose no. 3 at 12pm dose no. 4 at 3pm and no 5 at 7pm. This tabs than was increased to 1 and half tabs per each time 5 times after my tremors started to get worse. This was done in 2020. After seeing my doctor, he also added another tablet called azilect 1mg once per day which I usually took with my 5am dose of carbilev. As days went by I started feeling lethargic and my voice started getting bad that people started noticing that I could hardly be heard. Then my ears started to give a problem because no matter how closer I was to a person I was hardly audible. Then in 2022 I went back to my South Africa doctor who examined me and straight away increased my carbilev from one a and a half tablets per day corresponding to carbidopa 37.5/150 levodopa to 50 carbidopa and 250 levodopa with this the azilect remained at 1mg by I tablet per day plus another type of medication was added enkobist 200 twice a day and the last days dosage of carbilev 50/250was replaced by Sinemet 50/250 controlled release - this new increased dosages were started in 2022 June. By increasing the dosage, it did help a little but not what I wanted. Then in 2023 my son Imran started looking at stem cells in various countries of the world but the people we spoke to did not sound assuring but then one day while browsing through the net we came across Zhittya and started reading about this organization and when we spoke to them we had this gut feeling after our first zoom call that this truly is a genuine outfit that looks promising culminating in our trip to BVI and going through the first treatment protocol for 6 days twice daily in the bvi. Where we met the core team consisting of Dan Montano CEO of Zhittya and his very friendly wife Vika Montano, Sam Cross the son in law and his wife who happened to be the daughter of Dan Montano and Dr Jacob's the man behind the FGF1 discovery. My experience after the bvi dosing is given below. I have managed to reduce my overall dosage as follows: Dosage number 1 from carbilev 25/250 which was taken at intervals of 4 hours 5 times per day that translates to total carbidopa 125 mg daily and levodopa 1250 mg daily before my trip to bvi and now as follows. This is now my new dosage of medication per day as follows: Dosage number one: 5 am carbilev from 25/250 reduced to 25/100 Dosage number two: 9 am carbilev 25/250mg Dosage number three: from Sinemet 50/200 mg-controlled release to 25/100mg controlled release. Dosage number four: carbilev 25/250 with enkobist 200 that allows the slower release of carbidopa and levodopa in the blood stream. This will give the overall total of carbilev at carbidopa 100mg and levodopa 700mg. This reduced level of tablets has been so good to my body that's unimaginable plus the Fgf1. Has brought balance to my body overall my walking is excellent plus my facial features has improved and my friends say I look fresh and active my overall thinking has changed. If you look at the overall reduction in my carbidopa and levodopa reduction in just 6 months or less is unbelievable That shows that my Parkinson’s is on the mend looking at the reduction of carbidopa from 125 mg per day to 100mg per day and levodopa from 1250 to 700mg per day actually proves that my own dopamine production has kick started and I can only say that this are exciting times AND FURTHER DOWN THE TREATMENT PATH I AM HOPING TO BE EITHER 100%DRUG FREE OR 90%DRUG FREE. To Dan, Vika, and Dr Jacobs and all those other Zhittya members we say keep up the hopes and god bless. Mohamed xxxxxxxxxx, Cohort 18

Hi Vika, Thanks for the information. That’s good news. I’m doing pretty well overall. I’m starting to see improvements which are encouraging. Recently I saw someone that I haven’t seen in a year. She commented on how I was walking so much better. I need to increase exercising because I seem to need less Sinemet when I do. Thanks, Bill XXXXXXXXX

I'm really doing well, and have dropped 2 carbi. Per day. Ann and I just purchased 2 electric bikes, something I never thought I would do about a year ago.

Hey Vika, Thanks for the update. Hope everything is going well for you and Dan. My voice is back and my toes have quit cramping. Fatigue is about gone. Feeling better in general. Planning to speak to my Rock Steady support group in October. Maybe you could send me some blue books you gave us to pass along. Tell Dan hello and we miss y’all and the island. Thanks again.

I have been feeling better since around 9/18. My general sense of well-being is improving and walking doesn’t feel as hard. My back pain is slightly less and I’m hoping to get even better. I stopped taking Ropinirole a few months back to halt undesired side effects and haven’t started a new Parkinson’s medication.

Hi Guys, Changes — more energy and more endurance. My left foot flattens out (this comes and goes). My fingers are more useful in small movements (opening containers, etc.). My voice can be strong. More info than you need — my toothpaste stays in my mouth when I brush my teeth. I also think of Debra and the electric toothbrush every time I brush ha-ha! Miss you all!

Hi Dan, I am still sceptic but hoping that the improvement derives from the dosing with FGF-1 four times stronger and when [my wife] is lying in her bed, she can't bring her head down to kneeling. She walked with her walker alone to the toilette and made 3 tours in our living area without help with her walker. She could also stand up from her chair at the dining table. All this was impossible or scarcely once a while up to 3 days ago, for at least 12 months or more. I thought that I should inform you as you asked me during our last phone call. Lately I had a communication with Jack but I didn't dare to describe the progress so precisely. All the best

My dear Vika, My husband and I came very close to flying to Dubai for your conference. Although I have improved a great deal, I am not quite ready to travel comfortably. I hope it went well for you and can’t wait to read your next newsletter. I am doing well, getting stronger and have much more energy. I would really like to continue my treatment. I am confident that I can beat this insidious disease and recover completely, as in be cured! But I don’t want to stop treatment until that happens. Please let me know what you think. Your very grateful Lab Rat # 107

Good Morning Vika, Craig and Annie Hope you are doing well today. The Update was exciting. Can't wait for my 6 months check-up. I found an app "PD Pro" a student doing research turned me on to. It rates your PD by asking you to rate your symptoms. I had a survey done on June 15, 2023. I did another survey Feb. 2024. Big improvement. proof the treatment works! Remember I was in Cohort 16 done in Sept. 6-11. I have attached the reports for your review.

Hello, my friends, I wanted to share a surprising update with you.

I saw my neurologist in person today for the first time since October 2022, shortly after returning from the BVI. I fully expected her to say I’ve declined noticeably, but she said I’m the same on some tests and better on some (including walking). Clearly, some days are better than others, but I will take this as a sign that the FGF1 has started to take effect. Thanks, XXXXXX

X seems to be making improvements at a faster rate. He only fell a couple of times since the 1st dosing session. His cognitive seems improved and he has started a few small projects on his own. We will always be thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this research. Thankful also for you Vika.

Dear Vika, Overall, I’m doing well. Over the past month I’ve felt “normal” most of the time. Many times, I forget to take my meds because I don’t feel any symptoms. My back pain has been the most troubling thing I am dealing with. That just stays bad.

Hi Vika, I saw my neurologist today and she said I looked great, even better than last time!

I’m doing well. My voice has improved noticeably, and my balance and energy. Looking forward to more healing.

I’m doing really well right now. Getting busier every day, gardening, cooking and enjoying my family. Love and hugs X

I was tremor free just about all day, today; till I went to walk the dog in 34-degree temperature.

Dear Dan and Vika, I was inspired by the February newsletter to send some updates. First, thank you voluminously for taking Jacque and I, "under your wings" during our return trip from BVI. It meant a great deal to us and cemented your kindness in our hearts! Also, I have gotten phone numbers from our local Rock Steady Boxing facilities in the greater Reno area. There are three of them, and I'm endeavoring to contact them. I have also enrolled in a continuing education course to recertify my LSVT Big certification in June. Moving toward the business of opening the facility in the Reno area to help regenerate those with Parkinson's, Here are some definite improvements since receiving my dosing in the BVI and then again, at our home outside Reno, NV three weeks later: 1) I am noticing a 50% improvement with using my left hand for typing during my daily documentation as a Doctor of Physical Therapy, an essential skill! 2) My thinking and speaking are 80 % improved since receiving FGF 1, essential for ministering and teaching. I just taught a seminar in Oregon where I taught 3, 30 to 40-minute sessions in one day! 3) I'm buttoning and unbuttoning my shirts with 80% improved ease now. 4) My facial expressions are nearly back to normal now. 5) Left hand tremors are 50 – 60% reduced now, and no resting tremor anymore. I am grateful to God for Him bringing Zhittya Genesis Medicine to our attention to help bring my healing to pass! I'm grateful for both of you and the Zhittya team for being and doing what you do! God's mighty blessings in the name of Jesus Christ, Ed, PT, DPT

Hi Vika, Thank you for the update and big “Texas-sized” thank you for all that you do for patients. I’ve started the process of shutting down my DBS. I’m doing it with the supervision of my treating neurologist. This could be an interesting of the efficacy of FGF-1. Wish me luck!

Your body is finite and fading, But your courage a flame that’s un-dimming. Your head holds a crown of a champion, Your journey a race worth winning. Your purpose burns like a beacon of light, In the darkness that beckons in the night. Your hands keep reaching for hope to find, Hope for a future that will make you smile. In those dark hours when you feel so low, A twinkle of strength to make you grow. The grace your courage grants you in fight, Help you to battle Parkinson’s at its height. The mighty part that courage plays, On your journey to brighter days. Your resilience and spirit will never fail, That’s what will give you wings to prevail.

This is a synopsis of Al‘s journey. In April 2024, we flew to St. Louis to have Al have an MRI of Al’s brain at Washington University.

In May 2024, we flew to the BVI for Al’s first dosing of FGF-1. There were 11 fabulous people in our cohort. Many of us continue to meet on Zoom once a month to encourage each other.

From May until October, I would see glimpses of the old Al. But mostly, I was seeing the Parkinson’s Al with the glaze in his eyes and the shuffle in his gait with lots of constipation and confusion in his mind.

On October 12, Al got up early without the alarm. He was bright eyed and alert. I saw that the Parkinson’s cloud had lifted from his eyes because they were bright blue and the glaze over his eyes was gone! His gait was strong, and his mind was clear and he was able to add to the conversations that we had with other people.

On October 16, Bonnie Lyons came to visit. She started her FGF-1 dosing two years ago. We had seen her in June at the Freedom Fest trade show in Las Vegas. She couldn’t believe the difference in Al. He had continued to stay alert and unmasked for weeks.

Later in October, Al’s uncle Henry passed away, he was from El Paso, Texas. Al wanted to go to the funeral, but I was unable to go. So, he and his brother, Richard, went to El Paso for four nights. This was the first time in nine years that we had been apart for this long of a period of time. Richard updated me and told me that he could see a difference in his brother, and he talked about him being alert and having less fatigue.

A few days after his return from El Paso, he started reverting back to his Parkinson’s behavior, sleeping a lot and being dizzy, cognitively slow, and his gait was back to a shuffle. His cloud had lifted for over four weeks, and I was grateful to see the improvement that I had seen, which gave me hope for what was yet to come!

Some other symptoms that have permanently changed are: Al is enjoying food again and he’s even gained a little bit of weight, his constipation is basically gone which really makes him happy. Some of the symptoms that come and go are: his tremors have stayed with him- (we both agree that tremors are the least of his problem — cognitive issues are far more important to us) being able to have conversations comes and go at this point. Where before he would stop talking because he was fatigued and couldn’t remember where the conversation was going. My favorite thing that keeps coming and going is his sense of humor. He was never really good at telling jokes, but he always had a great zinger at the end of somebody else’s story! Which means he could follow the story (which is huge) and add a zinger to the end of story which surprises everyone!

I cried every morning that I woke up and found him clear eyed and eager to take on the day! I know that my sweet husband is still in there and not lost in the Parkinson’s cloud.

In our family we have given each other three squeezes to silently tell each other, I love you. We are sending three squeezes to each of the people at Zhittya to tell you how much we love you for your persistence and diligence to bring FGF-1 to those who definitely can benefit from it! Parkinson’s is a horrible disease and for 50 years they have been using the same drugs to treat it! And Now We Have Hope!! A special Squeeze to Dan & Vika Montano and their family, who have sacrificed a lot to make this happen. And to Dr Jack Jacobs who pushes through to make sure all the testing and academia gets addressed correctly! We would have no hope without you!

Vika, We visited the neurologist yesterday. In their summary notes of visit" ● Cognition improved. ● Stiffness, rigidity, and bradykinesia improved This is a win! [He] is working out for an hour a few days a week and carrying on conversations better. He still has difficulty with reasoning and following directions. He still sees people and thinks there is someone else here with us but it is less frequent. Sleeping better at night. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this amazing opportunity. If there is anything we can do to help please let me know. Blessings to you and your family, Linda

Oh Vika. We are both crying as we read your email. God has been blessing Sue and I in so many ways since we returned home from BVI, primarily in our relationship with our Heavenly Father, with each other and with our friends and family. Sue has experienced a number of noteworthy improvements (such as return of taste and smell, ability to uncurl her left-hand fingers without pain, stronger voice, more energy at times, no longer clearing throat on a regular basis, no longer having minor shakes before falling asleep, some relaxing of facial muscle rigidity which then allows a happier look. However, Sue continues to have severe constipation, bladder control issues, and balance control issues (leading to continued falls all too often). With great hope that extra does will bring positive healing of these three biggies for Sue, we want to thank you so much for sending extra doses. This news was quite timely as Sue recently expressed that she was having a hard time maintaining hope. Your news of this is very encouraging. We don’t know how you knew Sue’s need, but trust that God put Sue on your heart and you listened and obeyed. For that, we are extremely thankful. This is such a blessing! We continue praying thanks for all you and your team are doing to help end the nightmare of this terrible disease. We are really excited to see what improvements/healing the FGF1 will bring in the next several months. Thank you again for your generous and wonderful news!!! God bless you and Dan and the entire team.

Dear Vika Thank you for your email. I am feeling overall some better. I seem to have more energy. I have less constipation. And there are periods when I feel my gait is normal or improved. I have been suffering from sciatica for about 2 weeks and is on the same side as my illness which affects me the most. I am not sure if it is progression of my illness or simply sciatica. I did see my neurologist in August after my trip to begin treatment with fgf-1 at BVI in July, 2024 and before my sciatica symptoms bothered me. When I saw my neurologist Dr. xxxxxx, she said that the treatment with fgf-1 has a "promising theory." And at the end of my visit, she ended by saying, " You are doing good." These 2 comments that she made were uplifting and continued to support what I already knew about the treatment with fgf-1. She left me with a positive feeling. I felt she was on my side with the course of treatment I found with Zhittya. I am hoping the symptoms of sciatica will resolve with a course of Advil prn dosing. I have not reduced my dose of carbalevodopa just yet due to periods when I don't walk just right because these periods seem worse than my prior periods of poor gait. These periods of worsening gait are associated with stiffer and slower movement. I am grateful and elated when the periods of improved gait are with me. Thank you for all that you have done to help me along the way. I am forever grateful. I will continue with the protocol to finish the remaining FGF-1 that I have left. With appreciation, R. Christy xxxxxxx

Dear Vika, I am doing OK. Some days are good, other days are heavy. It goes up and down. I went from 3 pills Levodopa to 2 pills per day. Some days are difficult with such a low dose but I really don’t want to take more than that. I had my interview with Bonnie and we came to the conclusion that I did'n get worse in the last 12 months, and I took less levodopa. So, I think we can say that definitely I am doing better! I still have problems in my arms with the cogwheel rigidity and in general stiffness. But some days are really good. In the past I would panic if I feel not good, but now I know that maybe tomorrow or the day after I will feel better again. So, I accept is as a bad day. I am looking forward to what the 2nd year will bring us. And I am proud to be part of the Zhittya project. Best wishes, also to Dan

This is a picture of when we went for a walk in the neighborhood. He didn’t feel like it. He was pretty “parki” at the time, but he pushed through and did a lap around the block.

Also, here’s a video of him lifting weights. Again, he didn’t really feel like it but did it anyway. Go Devin!

One thing we’ve noticed is that when his energy and strength are good, they seem better than before the treatment. But when he crashes, he crashes pretty hard. Maybe because he’s not used to spending that kind of energy when he’s “on”? Also, the low days can be more discouraging after such good days.

Stay the course, dear ones. Better days are ahead! You’re all in my prayers, Jaime

I’m excited for the next shipment! I do have some temporary improvements. They come and go. Latest is the infection in my left nostril is gone. The swelling in the bolus has receded. Since 2007, when I had an upper GI, it was very swollen; I couldn’t breathe through it very well. In 2004, I got over a lifetime of green discharge. I did not know that discharge was any other color! Now I have no discharge. Embarrassingly, my finger was always in my nose….before FGF-1, I never had any improvements, all changes were negative. Now, my improvements don’t linger, but they give me hope. I can improve. …the best is yet to come

As far as improvements go, it’s truly very hard to tell. Going into this my hope was to slow or stop the progression. I’m confident it’s likely at least slowed it. I’m still traditional medication (e.g. Levidopa) free at this point which I will count as a win. I’m not experiencing a cognitive decline either. Finally, my left hand still shakes and may be a slight bit worst but the rest of my left side I feel has improved. I hope this finds you, Dan and the team doing well. Joan and I just welcomed our third granddaughter into this world on 10 August. Cherish every day! Warm regards, X

Hi! Vika :) I am glad to finally be back in touch with you! I was stronger the first few weeks. I was able to stay up all day, no naps and slept good all night. My voice is still stronger and people seem to notice more energetic enthusiasm in me. The last few weeks I’ve been struggling to deal with extremely volatile BP. It drops so low (64/48)in the morning that I have to fight to stay conscious and awake. By early evening into late evening it spikes so high (203/126) that I have to take a lot of meds to get it down. The roller coaster is taking its toll.

I have seen four Drs. since our return from trip. Three were shocked to see the difference in me. My neurologist was happy to see that I was able to walk better. My cardiologist stopped in his tracks and told me I was “different and better”! He saw that my voice was more projected and not quivery. He was amazed. I see a holistic chiropractor routinely because of scoliosis. He was very surprised to find my back stronger, felt stronger and thicker muscles and believes I am better due to the treatment. I am so grateful to hear their confirmation that it is working and encouraged to keep forging ahead. The time we had together is precious to me, even though I wasn’t able to participate much. God is still using each of you in my life. Your words ring in my ears. Your care and compassion encourages and gives me strength. The value this trip brought to my life is immeasurable! Thank you all! I am continuing to pray for each of you. May you all be blessed! <3 Rita

Thank you so much for your knowledgeable advice. I’m using castor oil and the sea salt is ordered. Your help is greatly appreciated! I greatly admire your care and compassion in the way you share your thoughts!

Say “Hello and thank you” to Dan and Dan Jr. I’m not going to let him down! :) And I hope Dan Jr knows the value he contributes is admirable. He delivers it with care and respect and compassion. Love you all! :) <3

Hi Vika - just a note to let you know I'm following your protocol from September. Thank you so much for caring. I have no big improvements to report but I do feel my dystonia in my hand has loosened up a bit. Wish the foot would follow! I can't tell you how important for me it is to have Zhittya as my hope for improvement. My neurologist has told me there is nothing more she can do since I can't take any of the medicines other than a tiny bit of amantadine and has relegated me to palliative care where I can get a social worker and physical therapy. Nice but... Also, my podiatrist said he couldn't do anything either other than giving me a brace to wear. Walking is slow and difficult! I have kept up with some of the cohort group and get hope from them too. Thanks again for being there - Toni

Asha has shown some progress in her mobility. She is able to move around the house without a walker most of the time. She has noticed this since her last FGF-1 dose. It may have been improving slowly, but now it is noticeable.

I have completed the booster cycle and I am ready for the next dosing. I am down to one carbidopa/levodopa most days. My hair has gotten thicker. I am more focused.

I love the monthly updates. It is amazing what possibilities you are working on.

First some background. I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease with orthostatic hypotension. This means that under certain conditions (heat, exercise, a full stomach), my blood pressure drops precipitously when I stand, into the 40s and 50s systolic, and I pass out. Sometimes this results in a trip to the ER because I hit my head on the floor, and it frightens my wife. Finding relief from this symptom was the primary reason I joined the Zhittya medical research study. I was initially dosed in February 2025 in the BVI. Since then, my wife and I have religiously followed the protocol, but we never observed or felt any positive effects from the FGF-1. No negative effects either, but no positive ones. Then, after dosing with the seventh of ten FGF-1 vials on June 8, I noticed my first positive effect. It was so dramatic that I can remember the day, the time, and the task I was doing. A couple of hours after dosing, I was driving to the pharmacy, and my mind was as sharp and clear as it had been before this disease took over my life. It had not been that clear for a couple of years. The next day I felt more energetic with better balance. By the second or third day the effects began to fade, but I had hope that they would return after the next dosing and last longer. They did.

The next time, they lasted almost a week. Now I am down to my last vial, the brain fog is mostly gone all the time, and I have more energy almost every day. I have gone from using a cane for balance, to walkers and a wheelchair. Currently I only occasionally use a cane, and I hope that becomes a thing of the past too.

The point I would like to make is this. It was about 17 months from my initial dosing in the BVI to the day I realized positive effects. I had almost given up hope that FGF-1 would work for me. In one of your newsletters, somebody wrote that we do not contract Parkinson's disease overnight, and healing does not happen overnight either.

In a follow-up on August 12: my energy is at about 75% of what it was, up from a low of about 30% this past winter and spring. My tremors are not as positive. They are a little worse. I am hoping to see improvement there in the future.

I walk every day for a mile around my block in beautiful Alabama. When I first started in March, I could only walk a short distance before I would freeze and sometimes fall. I wear knee pads so I do not skin my knees when I fall forward, and it would take me a while to get started walking again. I stopped at every turn and every incline.

Now I walk the whole mile without stopping, most of the time. I am standing up taller. And best of all, I am not feeling fatigued. I feel good all day and I am sleeping better. Nesy and I are getting out and going places. I still have trouble going through some doorways and turning around sometimes.

I am so thankful for FGF-1.

I used it, and a week after use I have the usual clarity of mind and restoration of short-term memory. Amazing.

My wife is using the vaporizer and her results are quite noticeable. She is much calmer, a bit more clearheaded, and shows considerably less stress-related behavior. I will keep you updated.

The 90-day window for the Parkinson research study for Lab Rat Phil is now completed. I thought everyone may be interested in my findings. I know they sure were a surprise to me. Overall, the following improvements from receiving the FGF-1 are:

Bowel functionality improvement. This happened very soon after the initial treatment with FGF-1...

Parkinson medication reduction. Presently I am up to a 30% reduction in my Parkinson medication. This is beyond possible for any conventional Parkinson's treatments. This, if nothing else, provides evidence that FGF-1 is activating dopamine production in my body.

Mental alertness and wakefulness improvement. Definitely experiencing a more active and focused brain with less drowsiness. In addition, my overall attitude has become very positive. I have regained much of my motivation and drive to accomplish tasks.

Blood pressure reduction. This was somewhat of a shocker... I was taking a very low dose of blood pressure medication. I actually bottomed out with my blood pressure and had to stop taking [it]. My blood pressure now is better than it was when I was dosed...

Significant reduction in Parkinson "OFF" time. I am experiencing more "UP" time during the day with fewer Parkinson symptoms and requirement for short naps. Most of the improvements from the FGF-1 have occurred in the past few weeks...

I have a theory; I call it the 3 D's of FGF-1 activity with our body's dopamine-producing neurons: Dormant... dopamine-producing neurons that are dormant get reactivated immediately, which explains the quick resolution of some Parkinson symptoms... Dying... dopamine-producing neurons that are dormant but starting to die are healed (resurrected), which explains the response I am experiencing in the past few weeks. Dead... FGF-1 needs to stimulate angiogenesis for cleanup of cellular garbage, provide increased tissue oxygenation and stimulate regrowth of dopamine-producing neurons.

Finally, my current symptoms and conditions showing no improvements yet: dystonia (right foot), leg muscle weakness and pain, foot and leg neuropathy, sense of taste, sense of smell.

My next treatment of FGF-1 is scheduled for September 1st. I am really looking forward to this. I totally believe that it will accelerate my healing and complete elimination of both my Parkinson medications and my symptoms...

PD symptom improvements related to my Zhittya Genesis Medicine medical study of the fibroblast protein FGF-1.

1st improvement: Significant reduced off time effect of low back pain and pressure at belt level and elimination of muscle spasms at the level of hip joints... I have thus concluded that the off period effect was being brought on earlier by too high a level of carbidopa levodopa. I have been at 16 pills per day, taken in 4 dose sessions separated by 4 or 4-1/2 hour spacings. In considering reducing my carbidopa levodopa usage, I have considered that Zhittya has run over 240 PD patients through their study over the past 4 years and found that FGF-1 patients can progress faster if they can trim down the carbidopa levodopa usage. FGF-1 works to increase the blood perfusion, reducing buildup of cellular trash and healthier endothelial cells, and it's best to naturally restart dopamine neuron function rather than over medicate...

Action taken to test reduced carbidopa levodopa total dose: Starting around June 18, 2026 I reduced the carbidopa levodopa total dose to 12 tablets per day, for approximately 18 days, and found a significant reduction in the low back pain, which I had just come to recognize as an off period pain indicator. This was done with a dose pill count order of 3 at about 7:30 am, 3 at about noon, 3 at about 4 pm and 3 at about 8 pm.

I have found this to be beneficial, but out of caution, on 7/7/2026 I adjusted to testing at only a slightly lower reduction level of 14 tablets per day, for another 18 day test... No particular advantage or disadvantage was observed. Currently, as of 7/24/2026, I have started a test sequence at a 13 pill count order per day... Eventually I will retest again at the 12 tablet level before considering going on to an 11 tablet per day test level.

2nd improvement: Around the 1st of June I noticed that I couldn't recall the last time that I had a tremor in my left hand wrist... Neither type of these two tremors have been at a severe problem level, and could often be mentally controlled. The wrist tremor now seems to be resolved. I now look forward to other improvements in my PD symptoms.

About 10 years ago or more, I transplanted 2 rose bushes from my mother's house to my backyard. It's an old hybrid Rose called Dr. Van Fleet. My grandmother cleaned house for a wealthy woman who had beautiful gardens and shared her perennials with my grandmother (who had a beautiful yard filled with flowers). My mom transplanted a couple of the beautiful pink rose bushes from her mother's garden to her yard. I always thought they were the best smelling roses ever. After I started growing them in my garden, they never seemed to have any scent. I figured it must be my soil that didn't have the right nutrients for the roses to have that beautiful scent. Today is the first day this year that I noticed the roses starting to bloom. I sniffed one, and it smells wonderful.

Turns out it wasn't the soil missing something, it was me.

Thanks to FGF-1 I can smell the roses again. I wish I could send the scent to you all, but here's a picture. I hope the rest of you can smell the roses again.

Edwin's treating neurologist documented his FGF-1 use in his medical record and supported his decision to continue. The benefit described is Edwin's own reported experience, not the physician's conclusion. Excerpt from the visit note:

"Edwin is doing well without medication for Parkinson's disease and remains active, which is beneficial for his overall health. I discussed the potential benefits of carbidopa-levodopa, including improved mobility, reduced rigidity, and decreased tremor, but Edwin prefers to avoid medication at this time. I also reviewed surgical options, including MRI-guided focused ultrasound, but Edwin does not meet the needed criteria. I encouraged Edwin to continue his current activity level and maintain his use of nebulized FGF1, which he believes has been beneficial for his cognitive function and overall health."