News

FDA Approves Gocovri as Add-On Therapy for Off Episodes

Gocovri (amantadine) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an add-on therapy for off episodes in people with Parkinson’s disease. Adamas Pharmaceuticals, which developed the therapy, announced its approval in the U.S. for Parkinson’s patients currently taking levodopa and/or carbidopa. Off…

Equfina Launched in S. Korea as Add-on for ‘Off’ Periods

Eisai Korea has launched Equfina (safinamide) in South Korea as an add-on therapy to levodopa for people with Parkinson’s disease who are experiencing “off” episodes. Equfina was approved in South Korea last year and this represents the medication’s first launch in Asia outside of Japan. Marketed as Xadago…

AskBio Acquires BNB and Gene Therapy Now in Parkinson’s Trials

Brain Neurotherapy Bio (BNB) has joined with Asklepios BioPharmaceutical (AskBio), a merger aiming to expand a gene therapy program for progressive neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and multiple system atrophy (MSA), a form of atypical parkinsonism. “I’m pleased to welcome the Brain Neurotherapy Bio team to AskBio,” Sheila…

Hoffmann Reflex Test Useful During DBS Surgery

Scientists have found that the Hoffmann reflex — a test often used to evaluate reflexes in the upper extremities — can be used as a biomarker to assess the correct placement of electrodes during deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease. This reflex test,…

Gut Fungi Not Linked to Parkinson’s Development

While scientists continue to shed light on a connection between gut bacteria and Parkinson’s disease, one study has found that gut fungi appear not to contribute to the neurodegenerative disorder. This result might serve as a useful warning against investing in potentially futile anti-fungal treatments for people with…