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Fox Focus | Research
Research Briefs
Transition in Two LRRK2 Studies
Developers discontinued a Phase III trial of BIIB122 , an LRRK2 inhibitor , while continuing a Phase II trial of the investigational drug . Biogen and Denali Therapeutics noted the discontinuation was unrelated to any safety or efficacy data but rather due to the trial ’ s complexity and long run time , with results not expected until 2031 . They anticipate data from the ongoing trial more quickly . Participants from the discontinued study , people with Parkinson ’ s and a pathogenic mutation of LRRK2 , were invited to join the ongoing trial involving people with early-stage PD but without the pathogenic LRRK2 mutation .
MJFF Advances Testing on Swallowing Device
MJFF has renewed funding for a wearable , wireless sensor based on findings showing that it accurately monitors and increases swallowing frequency for people with Parkinson ’ s . Swallowing symptoms occur in up to 80 percent of people with Parkinson ’ s , increasing pneumonia risk and causing eating difficulties . The new funding supports improvements in the sensor . It also supports a randomized controlled study testing its effects on swallow frequency and swallowing-related symptoms . This study , led by Steve Xu , MD , at Siebel Health , opens the door for regulatory clearance that would make the sensor available for use among people with Parkinson ’ s- related swallowing symptoms .
Phase I Vaccine Trial Yields Encouraging Results
An experimental vaccine to slow or prevent Parkinson ’ s is set to move into Phase II testing following positive Phase I results . Its maker , Vaxxinity , announced that the vaccine appeared safe and tolerable . It also reported that it produced an immune response and reduced the spread of abnormal alphasynuclein in cerebrospinal fluid from people with PD . Abnormal alpha-synuclein is the so-called “ Parkinson ’ s protein ” that is associated with the disease . MJFF contributes to this research with funding for tools assessing whether the vaccine produces antibodies that neutralize abnormal alpha-synuclein . The Foundation has also funded research on another experimental vaccine , ACI-7104 , now in the Phase II testing stage .