Spring / Summer 2025 | Research 15
Under-the-Skin Infusion Medicine Reduces“ Off” Time
As Parkinson’ s progresses, people may experience more time when medicines to control motor symptoms stop working. A new therapy offers better control by continuously delivering a dopamine-enhancing medicine, called apomorphine, through an underthe-skin infusion. Called Onapgo, the treatment from Supernus Pharmaceuticals bypasses the gastrointestinal( GI) tract on its path to stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain, an important advance since many people with PD experience GI problems that affect medication absorption. Onapgo is the second infusion-based dopamine-enhancer to receive FDA approval since fall 2024. The first, AbbVie’ s Vyalev, continuously delivers a levodopa and carbidopa infusion. The choice between the two therapies is based on individual symptoms and potential side effects.
Diabetes Drugs for Parkinson’ s?
GLP-1 receptor agonists, medications currently used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, are the focus of tremendous interest in the scientific world. Some evidence suggests the drugs may protect against cardiovascular conditions. Does this also apply for Parkinson’ s? Research is ongoing. A recent study in The Lancet demonstrated that the diabetes drug exenatide, one type of GLP-1 receptor agonist, does not slow PD progression. This finding effectively closes the door on exenatide as a treatment for Parkinson’ s, but more research is needed to determine the role similar medications may have on PD. Other GLP-1s, such as semaglutide( commonly known as Wegovy or Ozempic), are still being investigated for their potential role in preventing PD-related neurodegeneration.
Study Projects Increase in Parkinson’ s Prevalence by 2050
An estimated 25 million people— far more than double the number diagnosed today— will have Parkinson’ s by 2050, according to a study published in the medical journal BMJ. Important unknowns prevent a pinpoint calculation, especially since there are no universal reporting requirements for PD. The estimate, which points to a growing public health challenge, demonstrates the importance of Parkinson’ s research and policy and adds urgency to efforts to find a cure. MJFF is working to help determine the impact of Parkinson’ s in the U. S. by supporting state registries to track cases and conducting analyses to understand factors such as the economic burden on families and the federal government.