Patricia Inácio, PhD, science writer —

A new method allows researchers to develop adeno-associated virus (AVV) — commonly used as the vehicle for gene therapies — that accurately target and deliver genes to specific cells in the body. This new technology may be suitable to target dopaminergic neurons that are damaged in Parkinson’s disease. “We…

Clumps, or aggregates of alpha-synuclein protein in the brain, a hallmark of Parkinon’s disease, are more heterogeneous than previously thought, according to a new study. Moreover, the protein’s 3D-structure is different in Parkinson’s patients as compared with lab-made versions. These findings may hold implications for the development of…

Mission Therapeutics and AbbVie have identified several molecules, called deubiquitylating enzymes, or DUBs, that may be potential therapeutic targets to treat Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. This comes after the two companies announced a collaboration last year to identify DUB inhibitors to treat these neurodegenerative…

A pilot Phase 2 study evaluating CNM-Au8, an investigational Parkinson’s treatment aiming to protect nerve cells, has started dosing patients, the therapy’s developer, Clene Nanomedicine, announced. The open-label REPAIR-PD (NCT03815916) clinical trial is enrolling up to 24 people, ages 30 to 80 and diagnosed within the past three years,…

RightEye’s Vision System, an advanced eye-tracking device that measures eye tremors to help diagnose Parkinson’s disease at early stages, has been designated a breakthrough device by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This FDA designation is given select medical devices or…

Sunovion Pharmaceuticals has re-submitted a new drug application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), once again seeking the approval of its below-the-tongue formulation of apomorphine — called APL-130277 — for Parkinson’s off periods. The re-submission is a follow-up to the FDA’s “complete response…

Inflammation in the gut, a hallmark of autoimmune disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease, may contribute to an earlier risk of developing Parkinson’s disease (PD), according to a recent review of genetic, epidemiological and animal model studies. The risk, however, is very small with only 3% to 5%…

Treatment with Aricept (donepezil) for six weeks does not seem to improve balance, either while standing or walking, for Parkinson’s patients with a minimal history of falls, according to results from a single-site Phase 2 trial. The study, “Effects of augmenting cholinergic neurotransmission on balance in Parkinson’s…

CNM-Au8, an investigational therapy by Clene Nanomedicine, improved the survival of dopaminergic neurons, helped prevent loss of mitochondria, and rescued motor function in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease, a study reports. The effects of CNM-Au8 will now be assessed in an open-label (no placebo group) Phase 2…

Kyowa Kirin’s Nourianz (istradefylline) tablets are now available in the United States as an add-on treatment for off periods in Parkinson’s disease patients on a carbidopa/levodopa regimen. Off periods — when the effects of a medication wear off before a new dose can be taken — are characterized…