A project to test a new treatment for Parkinson’s disease has launched at the University of Dundee – with the recruitment of the first patient participant.
Researchers are using findings from its Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU), which has been looking for potential experimental drugs.
They are now testing LRRK2 inhibitors, developed by Denali Therapeutics and Biogen, in the hope it could slow progression of the disease in those living with the condition because mutations in the LRRK2 protein kinase are the most frequent cause of inherited Parkinson’s disease.
Dr Esther Sammler, local principal investigator for the trial and clinical group leader in the MRC-PPU, said: “This is a significant step forward in the quest to develop new Parkinson’s treatments.
“Welcoming the first patient in the UK to be involved in the trial of this drug is testament to the years of hard work undertaken here in Dundee to unlock the secrets of this cruel disease.
“Our work has received huge support from external partners, including donations from the public, for which we are extremely grateful. While there remains a long road ahead of us, trials such as this are proof that our research is integral to transforming outcomes for Parkinson’s patients in the future.”
The University of Dundee is a globally recognised centre for research into Parkinson’s disease, with Professor Dario Alessi, director of the MRC-PPU, having helped to discover that LRRK2 can regulate Rab GTPases proteins.
“Unlocking the workings of LRRK2 was the toughest challenge of my career,” he said. “It is hugely gratifying to know that the research carried out here in Dundee has ultimately led to trials such as this.
“However, while this is a significant milestone, we have to acknowledge that there is still a lot of work ahead to establish whether LRRK2 therapeutics will benefit patients and stall the progression of Parkinson’s. There are also huge challenges and timescales involved in researching anything to do with Parkinson’s disease.
“The need to develop new treatments for Parkinson’s remains urgent, but everyone here at Dundee is determined to continue our research in the quest to help those living with this condition.”
Leave a Reply