Priority projects
Exenatide
The results of a large phase 2 trial showed that exenatide, a drug used to treat diabetes, may slow the progression of Parkinson’s. Cure Parkinson’s has been at the forefront of the exenatide journey in Parkinson’s since the start. We funded the first ever clinical study of exenatide in people with Parkinson’s; we are now co-funding two sub-studies in the current phase 3 clinical trial.
Exenatide and Parkinson’s
Ambroxol
Based on evidence that this simple cough medicine offers potential as a treatment for Parkinson’s, our International Linked Clinical Trials committee prioritised ambroxol for clinical evaluation in Parkinson’s. A UK-based clinical trial, funded and supported by Cure Parkinson’s, Van Andel Institute and the John Black Charitable Foundation, together with international efforts, now suggests ambroxol as a promising avenue to halt the progression of Parkinson’s.
Ambroxol and Parkinson’s
Azathioprine
There is increasing evidence that inflammation and the immune system might have contributory roles in the development and progression of Parkinson’s. This clinical trial of azathioprine (AZA-PD), a medication already used to treat inflammation by dampening down the immune system’s response, will aim to slow the progression of Parkinson’s.
Azathioprine and Parkinson’s
Iron removing medications (iron chelation)
Removing excess iron from the body has powerful antioxidant effects known to dramatically increase cell survival. It is hoped that decreasing the levels of iron in the brain will improve symptoms and decrease the rate of progression of Parkinson’s.
Iron chelation and Parkinson’s
Brain growth factors
Nerve growth or neurotrophic factors are small proteins that support neurons and encourage their growth and survival during development. Cure Parkinson’s is supporting a pre-clinical study focused on a brain growth factor called cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor or CDNF.
Neurotrophic factors for Parkinson’s
UDCA
UDCA is used to treat liver disease. This trial will establish if UDCA is safe and tolerable at the dose needed to reach the brain. It will also see if it can preserve or improve the chemistry in the brain, and whether this translates into improvements in patients’ movement and mobility.
UDCA and Parkinson’s