News

Visual and tactile stimuli prompt neurons deep in the brain to release the dopamine whose production is limited in Parkinson’s-disease patients, according to a study using fish. Researchers said the neurons they identified also control facets of the fish’s basic behavior. If they are found to control motor behavior as well,…

Genervon Biopharmaceuticals has published a previously confidential list of Parkinson’s disease-associated (PD) genes it says are controlled by GM6, its investigational treatment for PD and other central nervous system (CNS) diseases. The list was released during the 35th annual JP Morgan Healthcare Conference, held recently in San Francisco. Genervon…

Vitamin B3 (niacin) was found to boost levels of a compound called NAD that generates energy and repairs DNA, according to new research that suggests boosting Vitamin B3 could keep Parkinson’s disease (PD) at bay. Miguel’ Martin’s team, from left: Juan, Susann, Callum, Miguel, Samantha Credit:…

Researchers at the University of Oregon synthesized organic molecules that break down and release hydrogen sulfide under certain biological conditions such as oxidative stress, and may protect cells.

Parkinson’s disease patients who are treated with deep brain stimulation may require fewer surgeries to replace the batteries in their stimulation devices thanks to a more energy-efficient stimulation approach developed by Duke University scientists. The optimized stimulation could be also used to develop patterns that are tailored to treat specific…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has agreed to review a request by Adamas Pharmaceuticals to approve ADS-5102 (amantadine hydrochloride) extended-release capsules to treat levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The company submitted the request as New Drug Application (NDA) to the FDA in October. A…

A Phase 3 clinical trial (NCT01227655) in Parkinson’s disease patients on levodopa treatment showed that Bial’s Ongentys (opicapone) reduced the fluctuations in drug effect that are a hallmark of levodopa treatment, according to a recent study that evaluated trial data. Patients who received Ongentys had less off-time, meaning…

Richard Myers, a Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) professor of neurology, has just received a $100,000 grant from the Ellison Foundation to investigate new targets for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Myers’ focus is on genetic research methods into diseases with adult onset, like PD, Huntington’s, or obesity. His research team has been examining the…

Researchers have discovered that a protein called Nrf2 is capable of maintaining healthy levels of certain proteins linked to Parkinson’s disease, so as to protect neurons from cell death. The research could lead to new therapeutic targets for Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. The study, “Nrf2 mitigates LRRK2- and α-synuclein–induced…

Researchers have discovered that welders develop symptoms of parkinsonism — a general term referring to disorders that cause movement problems that resemble those of Parkinson’s disease — because of prolonged exposure to manganese, a chemical element from welding fumes. The finding was reported in the study “Dose-dependent progression of parkinsonism…