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 disease can be classified into several categories:

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. 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).
  4. 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).
  5. 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 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.

Key Statistics

  • Emerging perspectives suggest that precision therapy, which tailors treatment based on individual genetic profiles, could lead to more effective management of Parkinson’s disease. (1)
  • Recent reviews highlight the shift from small molecule-based inhibition of protein aggregation to the use of natural degradation pathways and immune cells to degrade toxic amyloid deposits in the brain. (2)
  • New therapeutic strategies for Parkinson’s disease are focusing on mechanisms beyond dopamine restoration, including the development of reliable biomarkers and genetic profiling for early treatment. (3)

How do I access a clinical trial?

Accessing clinical trials in Australia:

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. CMAX Clinical Research: www.cmax.com.au
  4. Shake it Up: https://shakeitup.org.au/research/research-trials/
  5. 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

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Parkinson’s Australia National Conference

6-8 April 2025, National Convention Centre Canberra, ACT