The Oregonian recently published an article concerning a promising new drug to treat Parkinson’s Disease!
The drug, PRX002, is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets alpha-synuclein and prevents neuron-to-neuron transfer of toxic aggregates. In other words; These proteins, known as alpha-synuclein, clump into formations called Lewy bodies, which kill neurons in the brain. The new drug builds on research in mice that show it is possible to reduce the presence of alpha-synuclein proteins, which in turn reduces Parkinson’s Disease symptoms.
Scientists have not been able to definitively say what causes Parkinson’s Disease, which makes it hard to treat. However, if this drug continues to have success, it could indicate that alpha-synuclein proteins are indeed the culprit.
We asked our own Rock Steady Boxing fighter, John P. Adelman, Ph.D. Emeritus Professor, Vollum Institute Oregon Health & Science University, to tell us a little about the drug trial:
“The Oregonian article implied that OHSU had participated in developing the drug. This is not accurate. PRX002 was conceived and developed by Prothena, a Dublin-based biotechnology company with a US branch in South San Francisco. The FDA may require an expanded Phase 2 trial to better substantiate the lack of toxicity, dosing and pharmacokinetics, or may allow for Phase 3 trials to directly measure whether PRX002 is an effective therapeutic.”
“In either case, assuming trials are positive, it will probably take 5-10 years before the drug is available to treat PD. OHSU has been participating in early clinical trials and it is likely that OHSU will continue to participate in advanced clinic trials.”
To be eligible for this trial you must be newly diagnosed (only 2 years or less) with Parkinson’s and not taking or planning to take any medications for related symptoms (such as tremors or balance) for the duration indicated by the research. At least 30 other locations around the country will take part in this second phase. To read more about the study go to: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2685097