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

Interim Trial Data Hints at Efficacy of ANVS401

ANVS401, an investigational therapy for neurodegenerative diseases being developed by Annovis Bio, improved the speed and coordination of people with Parkinson’s disease in a Phase 2a clinical trial, an interim analysis suggests. “The results from this interim analysis are very encouraging. This brings us one step closer to…

Trial of Xadago in Treating Levodopa-induced Dyskinesia Planned

Newron Pharmaceuticals and Zambon Pharma agreed to jointly support a potentially pivotal clinical trial of Xadago (safinamide) as a treatment of levodopa-induced dyskinesia in people with Parkinson’s disease. Under the terms of the agreement, Newron and Zambon will evenly share the cost of the intended study. Newron, which developed…

Bacteria in Patients’ Guts Show Changes That May Weigh on Disease

People with Parkinson’s disease have substantial changes in the bacteria living in their gut relative to people without this neurodegenerative disorder, an analysis underscores. “This dysbiosis [microbial imbalance] might result in a pro-inflammatory status which could be linked to the recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms affecting PD [Parkinson’s disease] patients,” its…

Experts Recommend COVID-19 Vaccines for Patients, Caregivers

An international team of experts has recommended that people with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers receive vaccines for COVID-19. The recommendations were published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, in a paper titled, “COVID-19 Vaccination for Persons with Parkinson’s Disease: Light at the End of the…

Probiotic as Add-on Treatment Seen to Aid Patients in Small Study

PS128, a probiotic sold by Bened Biomedical, eased symptoms of Parkinson’s disease as an add-on treatment to 25 patients in a pilot clinical study, the company announced. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed, are thought to improve overall health. PS128 is a strain of the bacterial species Lactobacillus…

Alpha-blockers for Enlarged Prostate May Lower Parkinson’s Risk

Some medications currently used to treat enlarged prostate, such as alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonists — called alpha-blockers — might lower the risk of Parkinson’s disease, according to a new study. While more research is needed to fully determine a causal effect of alpha-blockers in treating the neurodegenerative disease, scientists…

Biogen Discontinues Development of Cinpanemab

Due to negative clinical trial findings, Biogen has discontinued the development of cinpanemab (BIIB054), an investigational medication intended to treat Parkinson’s disease, the company announced in its 2020 investors report. Cinpanemab is a human-derived antibody that targets alpha-synuclein, thought to be one of the key hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease. In the…