Parkinson's News Today is also a good resource for information on current research.
April 1
What are the most promising approaches currently being researched to potentially cure Parkinson's disease?
While there's no cure for Parkinson's yet, several encouraging approaches are being studied that could potentially slow or reverse the disease:
Growth Factor Therapy
A small clinical trial showed promising results Show Full Answer
What are the most promising approaches currently being researched to potentially cure Parkinson's disease?
While there's no cure for Parkinson's yet, several encouraging approaches are being studied that could potentially slow or reverse the disease:
Growth Factor Therapy
A small clinical trial showed promising results using special growth factor proteins delivered directly to the brain. This approach aims to restore and "reawaken" damaged dopamine-producing brain cells, showing improvements beyond anything seen in previous trials. Though the study was small with just 41 patients, researchers described it as some of the most compelling evidence yet for potentially restoring brain cells.
Disease-Modifying Drugs in Clinical Trials
Two experimental medications are currently being tested to slow Parkinson's progression:
- Prasinezumab (given by IV every four weeks)
- UCB0599 (taken orally)
Both are in phase 2 clinical trials, with results expected between 2024-2026.
Other Promising Research Areas
Scientists are exploring several innovative approaches:
- Immunotherapy using monoclonal antibodies to target alpha-synuclein
- Gene therapy to protect dopamine-producing cells
- Calcium channel blockers to slow disease progression
These treatments aim to address the underlying disease process rather than just managing symptoms, which represents a significant shift in Parkinson's research.
March 31
Follow Michael J. Fox and his news letter
March 31
Parkinson’s news is a great source.
April 1