genetic variant linked to PD . Three of the GBA-focused trials use novel drugs , and several others are investigating ambroxol , an existing drug to clear mucus that appears to slow PD progression by increasing GBA activity .
Other disease biology
Emerging approaches to slow PD progression include drugs to remove damaged mitochondria and inhibit cellular inflammatory responses . Testing continues on the potential of glucagon-like peptide-1 activators ( like Ozempic , the widely popular drug used for weight loss ) to reduce dopamine loss and protect the nervous system in PD . While trials involving these drugs have shown some benefits in people with PD , additional testing is needed .
Improving Treatments for Symptoms
Drugs that reduce PD symptoms can make the disease more manageable and improve quality of life . MJFF supports a range of promising efforts to fill this major ongoing need .
Freezing of gait
In 2024 the Foundation awarded funding to five teams exploring physical therapy , robotics and neuromodulation interventions enabled by deep brain stimulation to improve treatment for freezing of gait . Freezing and other PD-related walking symptoms increase the risk for falls and serious injury , and available treatments are largely inadequate .
Optimized dopamine-directed treatments
Four treatments to reduce the sudden “ off ” periods and involuntary movements that occur in more advanced PD await approval from the FDA . They include three subcutaneous infusion pumps — AbbVie ’ s is levodopa-based , Neuroderm ’ s is levodopa / carbidopa-based and Supernus ’ s is apomorphine-based — plus an oral carbidopa-levodopa extended-release therapy from Amneal .
Additional approaches to reduce motor symptoms
Mesdopetam , an oral drug from IRLAB to reduce levodopa-
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