Patricia Inácio, PhD,  science writer—

Labcorp has launched a test to detect the presence of a protein called neurofilament light chain (NfL) in the blood, a sign of nerve cell damage and death. The test will aid neurologists in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, according to the company’s press…

A $500,000 grant from the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) to EpicentRx will support continuing work into the neuroprotective effects of RRx-001, its lead small molecule treatment for Parkinson’s disease. RRx-001 works by blocking the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, known to play a key role in promoting…

PharmaTher has received a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) covering use of the painkiller ketamine for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and motor disorders that cause uncontrolled, involuntary movements. A Notice of Allowance means the USPTO has decided to issue the…

EVER Pharma has launched a mobile app for the D-mine Pump, its portable micro-infusion pump designed to continuously deliver apomorphine under the skin (subcutaneously) to patients with Parkinson’s disease. The app was designed to train healthcare professionals and caregivers on how to use the pump and program the infusion device. It’s…

Exposure to high concentrations of copper accelerates the formation of toxic clumps of the alpha-synuclein protein — a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease, a study shows. The study, “Single-Particle Resolution of Copper-Associated Annular α‑Synuclein Oligomers Reveals Potential Therapeutic Targets of Neurodegeneration,” was published in the journal…

Annovis Bio has been given the go-ahead by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin a Phase 3 clinical trial to test buntanetap (ANVS401) as an oral therapy for early-stage Parkinson’s disease. “With this FDA notice in hand, we are thrilled to…

Overactivation of microglia cells — known to drive neuroinflammation in diseases like Parkinson’s — can be detected by measuring a panel of different proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, a study reports. The finding supports the potential of these proteins as…

A tailored three-month boxing exercise program significantly eased both motor and nonmotor symptoms — including depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and pain — in people with early Parkinson’s disease, a new study shows. While the program’s participants reported an improvement in their motivation, there was no evidence that boxing reduced…

Fujirebio Holdings’ portfolio of biomarkers and diagnostic tools for Parkinson’s disease now includes tailor-made antibodies against the protein alpha-synuclein with the company’s acquisition of ADx NeuroSciences. The $40 million acquisition is expected to be complete in July, pending the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Two new mutations in the LRRK2 gene have been identified as likely causes of familial Parkinson’s disease, a study reports. Further studies on these potential “disease-causing variants should help us to better understand how LRRK2 dysfunction causes [Parkinson’s disease],” the researchers wrote. The study “Functional Analyses of…