Patricia Inácio, PhD, science writer —

Genervon Biopharmaceuticals announced its future goals for investigational therapy GM6 in a recent presentation on its multi-target drug development strategy to tackle neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease. Genervon presented its hypothesis that a multi-target drug approach is the key to curing complex neurological disorders at the 2018 BIO CEO…

Mutations in mitochondria, which result in a shortage of energy, may be an underlying cause of movement difficulties associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD), a study suggests. The study, “PINK1 Phosphorylates MIC60/Mitofilin to Control Structural Plasticity of Mitochondrial Crista Junctions,” was published in the journal Molecular Cell. Parkinson’s…

A new personalized medical strategy that can replicate human biological systems in a small chip may help predict patients’ response to certain treatments based on their genetic makeup. Called Patient-on-a-Chip, the joint initiative by Cedars-Sinai and Emulate combines Cedars scientists’ expertise in stem cell technology with Emulate’s Human Emulation System,…

The venom of the emerald cockroach wasp is capable of triggering Parkinson’s-like features, particularly problems controlling movement, a California study reports. Researchers said the findings on the venom’s toxins could lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s and new therapies. Their study, “Ampulexins: A New Family…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Osmolex ER (amantadine, extended release) to treat both Parkinson’s disease and therapy-induced extrapyramidal reactions in adults, or the movement and muscle-control problems that typify this disease and can be side effects of common medications. Osmodex ER, developed and marketed by Osmotica Pharmaceutical,…

Emerald Health Pharmaceuticals investigational EHP-102 (previously known as VCE-003.2), a patented compound derived from the non-psychotrophic cannabinoid called cannabigerol, has shown anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. The study “Benefits of VCE-003.2, a cannabigerol quinone derivative, against inflammation-driven neuronal deterioration in experimental Parkinson’s…

The U.S. National Institutes of Health is starting a pioneering, multi-pronged public-private partnership program to try to accelerate the development of Parkinson’s treatments. What makes it special is how big it is. The NIH-led collaboration includes government, pharmaceutical companies, life science companies and non-profit organizations. The partners are calling the collaboration AMP…

Mutations in the LRRK2 gene, a major genetic factor contributing to Parkinson’s disease, may likely affect the risk for Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease, researchers at Mount Sinai in New York discovered. The results suggest a potential genetic link between Crohn’s disease and Parkinson’s and common disease…

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) may help extend the survival of patients with Parkinson’s disease, according to a new study by researchers at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital in Hines, Illinois. “Overall, DBS surgery has been viewed quite positively by both patients and providers,” Dr. Frances Weaver, the study’s…

Denali Therapeutics says its experimental therapy for Parkinson’s disease, DNL201 — a small-molecule inhibitor of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) — stopped an average 90 percent of LRRK2 kinase activity at its highest concentration. When the drug’s levels dropped to the lowest concentration (known as trough levels), it still inhibited…