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

Measuring eye movements may help track Parkinson’s progression

A platform developed by NeuraLight that uses machine learning to measure eye movements may help track the progression of Parkinson’s disease, a study shows. “NeuraLight’s technology enables us to assess the patient’s neurological status in a sensitive and objective way. The results of this study mark an important…

Gain Therapeutics cleared to start GT-02287 Phase 1 trial in Australia

An ethics committee in Australia has cleared Gain Therapeutics to start a Phase 1 clinical trial testing GT-02287, the company’s experimental oral therapy for Parkinson’s disease associated with mutations in the GBA1 gene. GT-02287 now will become the first treatment candidate discovered with Gain’s proprietary platform, SEE-Tx, to…

MJFF grant supports therapies for PRKN-related disease

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) has awarded a $4.5 million grant to Nine Square Therapeutics to advance the development of potential treatments for a genetic form of Parkinson’s disease. “The Michael J. Fox Foundation grant will go toward accelerating the identification of drug…

Magnetic brain stimulation eases symptoms in mouse model

A treatment that works to stimulate the brain using weak magnetic waves effectively eased symptoms in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease, a new study reports. Researchers hope to start a small-scale study soon testing this treatment in people. “The technology is proven and it’s harmless and we want…

GBA1 mutation linked to higher Parkinson’s risk among Africans

A mutation in the GBA1 gene is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease among people of African ancestry, a new study shows. While other mutations in GBA1 have previously been linked with Parkinson’s, this mutation, which is particularly common in people of African ancestry, has not been associated before with…

ND0612 beat oral levodopa/carbidopa at controlling motor symptoms

ND0612, a formulation of levodopa/carbidopa delivered continuously under the skin by a pump, was more effective than standard oral levodopa/carbidopa at controlling motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease without causing problematic side effects. Those top-line findings from the Phase 3 BouNDless clinical trial were announced earlier this year,…