News

In an unexpected finding, researchers demonstrated that certain asthma drugs might protect from developing Parkinson’s disease by lowering the production of the disease-linked protein alpha-synuclein. But researchers caution against attempting to medicate with such drugs before clinical trials establish they are safe in this patient group, and that they really…

AstraZeneca has partnered with Takeda Pharmaceutical to develop and commercialize the alpha-synuclein antibody MEDI1341 for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. MEDI1341 is expected to enter a Phase 1 clinical trial later this year. Under the terms of the agreement, AstraZeneca will supervise…

Researchers in Japan are preparing for a first human trial of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in patients with Parkinson’s disease, after obtaining promising data from a study in monkeys. The study, which appeared in the journal Nature, demonstrated that transplanting human iPSCs into the brains of the primate…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given a green light to Titan Pharmaceuticals to begin a first-in-human clinical trial testing an implant that provides continuous release of ropinirole to treat Parkinson’s signs and symptoms. In the open-label Phase 1/2 trial (NCT03250117), which is now recruiting, roughly 20 Parkinson’s…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will not process Acorda Therapeutics‘ marketing application for Inbrija (CVT-301), intended for the treatment of off-periods in Parkinson’s disease, until certain questions are answered. The FDA’s refusal to accept Acorda’s new drug application (NDA) for Inbrija wasn’t based on safety or efficacy concerns,…

Synthetic 3D protein structures that better mimic those in nature, but are simpler, could help scientists investigate several disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, a study indicates. The research, “Supramolecular Multiblock Copolymers Featuring Complex Secondary Structures,” appeared in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. Dr. Marcus…

Singapore’s National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) are teaming up to develop new technologies to better diagnose and treat patients with Parkinson’s disease, brain injuries and other neurological conditions. The collaboration aims to develop an artificial intelligence system capable of using computed tomography (CT) scans to accurately…

The first treatment for levodopa-induced dyskinesia — the involuntary and jerky movements that afflict most Parkinson’s disease patients on this common therapy — was approved Thursday, Aug. 24, by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The therapy, Gocovri (amantadine) by Adamas Pharmaceuticals, is an long-acting and extended-release capsule, indicated for those…

In-home senior care provider Senior Helpers has purchased Elmhurst, Illinois-based Handle with Care, a company founded by Julie Kastholm and Debbie Russell that has been providing dignified, trusted home care since 2009 to seniors in the greater Chicago area. Handle with Care’s caregivers assist their clients with everyday activities…

Virtual house calls with a neurologist can be as effective as in-person visits for Parkinson’s disease patients, offering convenience and comfort, a clinical trial indicates. The study, “National randomized controlled trial of virtual house calls for Parkinson disease,” was published in the journal Neurology.