Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

Smoking, aspirin may worsen some Parkinson’s symptoms

People with Parkinson’s who smoke cigarettes or use aspirin tend to report more problems with certain disease symptoms, according to a new study. The study, however, did not find notable associations between drinking coffee and Parkinson’s symptom severity. “This study comprehensively assesses the effect of smoking, coffee drinking, and aspirin…

Brazilian dance may be therapeutic, Parkinson’s study shows

Programs focusing on traditional forms of Brazilian dance may help to improve life quality and ease motor symptoms for people with Parkinson’s disease, a new study reports. “The findings of this study suggest that Brazilian dance practice is capable of improving the perception of some aspects of quality of life…

Oral films may be easier way to deliver pramipexole

Researchers have created a novel formulation of pramipexole — the active agent in Mirapex — that can be administered via a film placed on the inside of the cheek. The new formulation may make treatment easier for people with Parkinson’s disease who have trouble swallowing, scientists said in…

Kynmobi to be discontinued in US and Canada due to limited use

Kynmobi (apomorphine hydrochloride), an under-the-tongue therapy approved to help manage off episodes in Parkinson’s disease, is being discontinued in the U.S. as of June 30. Sunovion, which developed the treatment, is voluntarily withdrawing the drug from the U.S. market “due to limited utilization,” according to an announcement…

Report points to limited benefits of SSRIs in elderly patients

Use of certain anti-depressants may increase the risk of life-threatening clotting problems in elderly people with Parkinson’s disease, a new report highlights. The study, “Deep venous thrombosis and hyponatremia associated with citalopram use for behavioral symptoms in Parkinson’s disease: a case report,” was published in BMC…

LUMA trial expands to patients with LRRK2 gene mutation

The Phase 2 LUMA clinical trial, which is testing the experimental LRRK2 inhibitor BIIB122 in people with Parkinson’s disease, is expanding to open enrollment of patients who have a mutation in the LRRK2 gene, in addition to patients without mutations. Meanwhile, the Phase 3 LIGHTHOUSE study, which had been…