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Fox Focus | Research
Research Briefs
Positive Phase III Results for Infused Levodopa
A new continuous drug infusion may soon be on its way to the U . S . Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) for possible approval . Neuroderm recently announced positive results from its Phase III trial on ND0612 , a liquid levodopa / carbidopa . The formulation is infused continuously under the skin to provide more consistent symptom relief . In the trial , participants on ND0612 had nearly one and three-quarters hours more “ on ” time per day , without significant symptoms , than those taking the drug in pill form . MJFF funded earlier studies of this therapy , a critical step toward gathering additional data , support and momentum on the path to this current late stage of drug development .
Could a Glove Ease Parkinson ’ s Symptoms ?
Researchers at Stanford Medicine are developing a glove that may ease motor symptoms of Parkinson ’ s . Currently being tested in clinical trials , the glove delivers light vibration to the fingertips , which may “ reset ” abnormal electrical activity in the brain . If the trials are successful , the researchers plan to seek FDA clearance for the glove . Similar studies supported by MJFF have tested devices that deliver mild vibrations to the feet to aid gait , and to the upper chest to aid swallowing . While technology-enabled approaches like these show promise , more testing is needed .
New Method Could Detect Parkinson ’ s During Eye Examinations
Researchers are working on a way to easily diagnose Parkinson ’ s during eye examinations . With grant support from MJFF , scientists at Amydis , Inc . are investigating a fluorescing tracer that lights up when it binds to clumps of alphasynuclein , a hallmark of Parkinson ’ s , in retinal neurons . The light can be detected with devices already commonly in use by ophthalmologists . Using this technique , Parkinson ’ s could be detected early in the course of the disease quickly , safely and affordably .