Patricia Inácio, PhD, science writer —

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…

Mutations of genes responsible for breaking down and recycling cell waste products may promote Parkinson’s disease, a study shows. Scientists have known for some time that deficiencies in these lysosomal storage genes cause Gaucher disease and other disorders. The study, “Excessive burden of lysosomal storage disorder gene…

Weight loss in Parkinson’s disease patients increases the risks for dementia and dependency care, and reduces patients’ life expectancy, according to a new study. These findings suggest that monitoring weight and timely dietary interventions to counteract weight loss may significantly improve the outcome of Parkinson’s disease patients. The study, “Early…

Patients with moderate-to-severe Parkinson’s disease who received human neural stem cells in their brain as part of a Phase 1 trial are performing better at six months than they were at the start of the study. Also, all patients are meeting the trial’s primary goal of safety, according to a…