News

Researchers develop tool to study gut-brain connection

Researchers have uncovered new evidence that activity in the gut can directly influence brain function, a relationship that’s been proposed to contribute to Parkinson’s disease. Using specialized fibers with the ability to stimulate nerve cells with light, called optogenetics, the scientists found that by altering cell activity in the…

Potential gene therapy may help with GBA1-linked Parkinson’s

Freeline Therapeutics announced plans to leverage knowledge gained from its FLT201 gene therapy program in Gaucher disease to advance a similar candidate to treat people whose Parkinson’s is tied to mutations in the GBA1 gene. “Our GBA1-linked Parkinson’s disease program is a natural extension of our…

3 blood biomarkers might identify Parkinson’s, atypical parkinsonism

Certain biomarkers in the blood may help doctors in determining whether a person has Parkinson’s disease or atypical parkinsonism, both of which show similar symptoms, a study reported. Three biomarkers — neurofilament light chain (NfL) and malondialdehyde (MDA), particularly, but also 24S-hydroxycholesterol (24S-HC) — were found at significantly…

DBS helps grandfather, 77, struggling with Parkinson’s off times

Carl McLain, a grandfather and Parkinson’s disease patient, reports enjoying a much-improved quality of life since undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS), a surgical treatment generally advised for those failing to respond to other disease therapies. McLain 77, said he began experiencing mysterious leg pain, anxiety, depression, and…

Buntanetap Phase 3 study to move forward after positive safety review

Following a positive safety review, Annovis Bio‘s Phase 3 clinical trial testing oral buntanetap for the treatment of early-stage Parkinson’s disease can move forward as originally designed, the company announced. That positive review came from the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), an independent group of experts, which…