Promising new therapy to stop Parkinson’s disease

The figure of the human brain with a stethoscope or phonendoscope around him. Picture for medical neurological examinations or surveys
The figure of the human brain with a stethoscope or phonendoscope around him. Picture for medical neurological examinations or surveys

Australian researchers have found a small molecule that helps prevent the loss of brain cells.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that can affect people from all walks of life. Parkinson’s is quite common and latest research conservatively estimates indicates that more than 80,000 Australians are living with Parkinson’s. It is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide, with 10 million sufferers.

Currently, there is no known cause of understanding of why a person develops Parkinson’s. There are many theories as to the causes and it is generally thought that multiple factors are responsible. Possible causes or contributing factors may include genetic changes, environmental factors, oxidative stress or a combination of these.  The underlying cause of the symptoms of Parkinson’s relates to a decline in the production of a chemical in the brain called dopamine.

A new therapy developed at the University of Queensland aims to stop the development of the dreaded disease. UQ Faculty of Medicine researcher Associate Professor Trent Woodruff says that his team found that a small molecule, MCC950, stopped the development of Parkinson’s in several animal models, and that they hope to commence human clinical trials in 2020.

The disease is characterised by the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine. The new molecule has been found to prevent the loss of the brain cells.

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