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Small amounts of a particular form of alpha-synuclein, known as beta-sheet, may cause a significant loss of dopamine-releasing neurons by recruiting more alpha-synuclein molecules, leading to Parkinson’s-like symptoms and disease progression, according to a recent lab study. The study, “Defining α-synuclein species responsible for Parkinson disease phenotypes…

An active sexual life is associated with less severe motor and non-motor disability and a better quality of life in men with early Parkinson’s disease, a study reports. Its findings are “in line with data showing a close relationship between sexual health and general health both in…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation to Prevail Therapeutics’ lead gene therapy candidate, PR001, for the treatment of people with Parkinson’s disease associated with GBA1 gene mutations. Fast Track status will support and expedite the clinical development, regulatory review,…

Emerald Health Pharmaceuticals announced that two of its cannabinoid-derived candidates — CBGA-Q and CBGA-Q-Na Salt — showed anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. However, these benefits were not superior to those obtained from treatment with the company’s already patented EHP-102 compound. The findings,…

D-mine Pump, a portable micro-infusion pump designed to continuously deliver apomorphine under the skin (subcutaneously) to patients with Parkinson’s disease, has received the European CE approval and now will be marketed in several European countries. CE means “European Conformity,” a certification mark that indicates conformity with European health, safety,…

Direct delivery of two dopamine-synthesizing enzymes to the midbrain, using a safe and inactive form of an adenovirus, was able to effectively ease signs of motor difficulties in a primate model of Parkinson’s disease, a study reports. Continuous dopamine production via a gene therapy approach may be a promising one-time…

Seelos Therapeutics has acquired the rights for a gene therapy program targeting the regulation of the SNCA gene, which provides instructions to make alpha-synuclein, a key player in the development of Parkinson’s disease. The accumulation of abnormal (misfolded) alpha-synuclein protein can result in toxic aggregates that lead…

Parkinson’s disease has typically been classified as a neurodegenerative disease with much of treatment focused on managing symptoms. However, recent connections between the brain and gut microbiome as it is influenced by nutrition, oxidative stress, and the environment has been gaining interest. In a 2015 article…

Altered forms of the alpha-synuclein protein travel along the vagus nerve from the gut to the brain where they accumulate, according to a study in mice. It also suggests that blocking this transport could prevent the progression of Parkinson’s disease. The work lends support to theories that Parkinson’s begins…

High levels of a protein called SIRT2 in the blood may serve as a diagnostic biomarker to differentiate between Parkinson’s patients and those with atypical Parkinson syndromes, a study finds. Levels of this marker also may aid in diagnosing Parkinson’s at early stages. The study, “Elevated Serum SIRT 2…