Exciting possibilities are emerging in the field of Parkinson's treatments.
New drug therapies are being tested for their potential to protect neurons and slow progression. Gene therapy and stem cell research, on the other hand, offer promising avenues for regenerating damaged brain cells and restoring lost functions.
What types of emerging treatments are there?
Emerging treatments for Parkinson's can be classified into several categories:
- Disease-Modifying Treatments: These treatments aim to slow down or halt the progression of Parkinson's disease by targeting the underlying causes. Examples include LRRK2 kinase inhibitors and gene therapy.
- Re-purposed Drugs: These are existing drugs that are being tested for their effectiveness in treating Parkinson's disease. Examples include Exenatide (a diabetes drug) and Memantine (an Alzheimer's drug).
- New Treatments: These are novel therapies that are being developed specifically for Parkinson's disease. Examples include induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and non-invasive brain stimulation techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
- Cell and Gene Therapies: These advanced therapies aim to repair or replace damaged neurons by introducing healthy cells or repairing faulty genes. Examples include MeiraGTx's AAV-GAD and BlueRock Therapeutics' Bemdaneprocel (BRT-DA01).
- Traditional Symptom Management: While not emerging treatments, these are still crucial in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Examples include dopaminergic therapies like levodopa and dopamine agonists delivered in a novel infusion compared to traditional oral therapies. Examples of novel delivery include the Vyalev (in the UK it's called Pruodopa) pump. Also using other medications for symptoms like modafin for excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). While it isn't considered a Parkinson's drug, it can help some people with Parkinson's and EDS.
A new Australian innovation could soon simplify life for thousands of people living with Parkinson's. Researchers at the University of South Australia have developed a long-acting injectable treatment that combines two of the most commonly used Parkinson's medications — levodopa and carbidopa into a single weekly dose [1].
Currently, many people with Parkinson's take oral medications three to five times a day, which can be difficult to manage — especially for older Australians or those living alone. Missing even one dose can lead to a noticeable decline in mobility and energy.
"If you don't take the tablet on time, you discover you can't walk," said Peter Willis, 86, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's a decade ago. "You sort of lose your energy, as if you run out of fuel" [1].
The new formulation is designed to be injected under the skin, where it forms a biodegradable implant that slowly releases medication over seven days. It's not a new drug, but a new way to deliver existing medications more effectively and consistently.
Parkinson's Australia Welcomes the Breakthrough
Parkinson's Australia CEO, Olivia Nassaris, described the development as a "game-changer" for the community.
"There hasn't been much progress in Parkinson's medications for a number of years, and the community is mostly on oral medications," she said. "There is no such medication on the market which is the same as this"[1].
The research team, led by Professor Sanjay Garg and PhD student Deepa Nakmode, has filed for an Australian patent and is preparing for animal testing and clinical trials. While the injection is still in the early stages of development, it represents a hopeful step forward in making Parkinson's treatment more manageable and more personalised.
We'll continue to follow this story closely and keep our community updated as trials progress.References
How do I access a clinical trial?
Accessing clinical trials in Australia:
- Australian Parkinson's Mission (APM): This is an innovative research program combining clinical trials and genomics research. You can register your interest and find information about participating trial sites on their website. Website: www.garvan.org.au
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research: They conduct clinical trials aimed at slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease. You can find information about ongoing trials and how to participate on their website. Website: www.garvan.org.au
- CMAX Clinical Research: www.cmax.com.au
- Shake it Up: https://shakeitup.org.au/research/research-trials/
- All Australian Clinical Trials: https://www.australianclinicaltrials.gov.au/about/find
Infosheet under review
References:
(1) Wang, Q., Gu, X., Yang, L., Jiang, Y., & Zhang, J. (2024). Emerging perspectives on precision therapy for Parkinson's disease: multidimensional evidence leading to a new breakthrough in personalized medicine. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 16, 1417515. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2024.1417515
(2) Mitchell, C. L., & Kurouski, D. (2024). Novel strategies in Parkinson's disease treatment: a review. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 17, 1431079. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnmol.2024.1431079
(3) Iarkov, A., Barreto, G. E., Grizzell, J. A., & Echeverria, V. (2020). Strategies for the treatment of Parkinson's disease: Beyond dopamine. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 12, 4. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2020.00004
(4) Ando, R., Choudhury, M. E., Yamanishi, Y., Kyaw, W. T., Kubo, M., Kannou, M., Nishikawa, N., Tanaka, J., & Nagai, M. (2018). Modafinil alleviates levodopa-induced excessive nighttime sleepiness and restores monoaminergic systems in a nocturnal animal model of Parkinson's disease. Journal of Pharmacological Sciences, 136(4), 266-271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphs.2018.03.007
