Are there any clinical trials for Parkinson’s disease?

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May 29, 2024

Are there any clinical trials for Parkinson’s disease?

Yes, there are numerous clinical trials for Parkinson’s disease (PD) taking place worldwide. These trials are crucial for developing new treatments, understanding the disease better, and improving the quality of life for those affected by PD. Here are some of the notable areas of research and specific examples of clinical trials currently underway:

1. Gene Therapy

a. AAV2-GDNF:

  • Description: This trial is investigating the safety and efficacy of delivering the GDNF gene using an adeno-associated virus (AAV2) vector to promote the survival of dopaminergic neurons.
  • Status: Early-phase clinical trials have shown promise, with ongoing studies to confirm long-term benefits.

b. Voyager Therapeutics’ VY-AADC:

  • Description: This gene therapy aims to increase the levels of AADC, an enzyme that converts levodopa to dopamine, to improve motor symptoms.
  • Status: Phase I/II clinical trials have shown positive results, with further trials planned.

2. Stem Cell Therapy

a. TRANSEURO:

  • Description: A multicenter trial in Europe using fetal dopaminergic neurons transplanted into patients with PD to assess long-term safety and efficacy.
  • Status: Ongoing, with preliminary results showing some positive outcomes.

b. NYSTEM PD Study:

  • Description: Investigating the transplantation of stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons into patients with PD.
  • Status: Early-phase trials are assessing safety and initial efficacy.

3. Alpha-Synuclein Targeting

a. Prasinezumab:

  • Description: This monoclonal antibody targets alpha-synuclein aggregates to prevent their spread and potentially slow disease progression.
  • Status: Phase II clinical trials are ongoing, with early results indicating potential benefits.

b. BIIB054 (Cinpanemab):

  • Description: Another monoclonal antibody targeting alpha-synuclein, aiming to reduce aggregation and spread.
  • Status: Phase II trials have been conducted, with mixed results leading to continued research and development.

4. Neuroprotective Agents

a. Nilotinib:

  • Description: Originally a leukemia drug, nilotinib is being tested for its potential neuroprotective effects and ability to clear toxic proteins in PD.
  • Status: Phase II trials have shown some promise, with further studies needed to confirm efficacy.

b. Exenatide:

  • Description: A GLP-1 agonist used for diabetes, exenatide is being investigated for its potential neuroprotective effects in PD.
  • Status: Phase II trials have shown encouraging results, leading to further research.

5. Advanced Drug Delivery Systems

a. Accordion Pill Carbidopa/Levodopa:

  • Description: A novel gastric-retentive delivery system designed to provide more consistent levodopa levels.
  • Status: Phase III trials are ongoing, with results indicating improved motor symptom control.

b. Continuous Subcutaneous Levodopa Infusion (ND0612):

  • Description: This approach aims to provide continuous delivery of levodopa to reduce motor fluctuations.
  • Status: Phase II/III trials are ongoing, showing promising results in reducing “off” time.

6. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Advancements

a. Adaptive DBS (aDBS):

  • Description: This trial is testing DBS systems that adjust stimulation in real-time based on brain activity.
  • Status: Early-phase trials are underway to assess safety and efficacy.

7. Focused Ultrasound

a. ExAblate Neuro:

  • Description: Using focused ultrasound to create precise lesions in the brain to treat tremors and other motor symptoms.
  • Status: Approved for essential tremor and tremor-dominant PD, with ongoing studies to expand its use.

8. Lifestyle Interventions

a. Parkinson’s Outcomes Project:

  • Description: The largest clinical study of PD, aiming to identify best practices in care and lifestyle interventions that improve outcomes.
  • Status: Ongoing, with continuous data collection and analysis.

9. Cognitive and Psychiatric Symptoms

a. Pimavanserin:

  • Description: Aimed at treating psychosis in PD patients without the typical side effects of antipsychotics.
  • Status: Approved for PD psychosis, with further studies exploring other psychiatric symptoms.

Finding Clinical Trials

ClinicalTrials.gov:

  • A comprehensive database of clinical trials worldwide, where patients and caregivers can search for ongoing studies by condition, location, and other criteria.

Michael J. Fox Foundation Trial Finder:

  • A resource to help connect patients with PD clinical trials that match their specific needs and interests.

Local Research Institutions:

  • Many universities and research hospitals conduct clinical trials. Contacting these institutions directly can provide information on local opportunities.

Conclusion

Numerous clinical trials are exploring innovative treatments for Parkinson’s disease, including gene therapy, stem cell therapy, alpha-synuclein targeting, advanced drug delivery systems, and lifestyle interventions. These trials offer hope for new and more effective ways to manage and potentially slow the progression of PD. Patients and caregivers interested in participating in clinical trials should consult with their healthcare providers and explore available resources to find suitable trials.


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