THE FOX FOCUS...
RESEARCH NEWS BRIEFS
SPRING 2015
Research Optimizes Deep Brain
Stimulation Treatment
Deep brain stimulation is a transformative therapy for
some people with Parkinson’s. Electrodes implanted
in the brain send impulses or signals that control brain
activity and alleviate symptoms. However, currently DBS treats only the same
set of symptoms eased by available medications: tremor, rigidity and slowness
of movement. An MJFF-funded project is researching the effect of DBS on a
different brain region to treat posture instability and gait difficulty. Other work
supported by the Foundation aims to refine DBS devices to fire impulses only
when needed, instead of continuously. That would help avoid side effects, as
well as lengthen the time before surgery is necessary to change the battery.
Good News for Projects to Slow
Parkinson’s Progression
Three companies developing drugs to slow or stop the
progression of Parkinson’s celebrated milestones early this
year. Neuropore Therapies and Neurophage (MJFF grantees) and Prothena are
all testing compounds against clumps of the protein alpha-synuclein, thought to
cause cell death. Neurophage recently secured $10 million in venture capital to
advance its lead compound. Two days later, Neuropore announced it will team up
with Belgian drugmaker UCB in a deal worth up to $480 million to grow the study
of Neuropore’s compounds. Both projects could move to testing in humans as
soon as the end of the year. Prothena’s vaccine approach is already in clinical trials.
The company shared positive results from its safety study in control volunteers;
they’re now testing in people with Parkinson’s.
Third Thursdays Webinars and
Friday Twitter Chats
Join MJFF and expert panelists for live webinars at 12 p.m. ET on the third Thursday of
every month. Learn about the various aspects of living with Parkinson’s disease and the
Foundation’s work to speed medical breakthroughs. Visit michaeljfox.org/webinars
to learn more, watch previous webinars or to register for an upcoming one.
10 THE FOX FOCUS
ON RESEARCH
Since day one, The Michael J. Fox Foundation has worked urgently to advance the
most promising scientific ideas through the development pipeline. Read about
progress toward improved therapies that could benefit millions living with Parkinson’s.
23andMe Announces Pharma Deal and
Therapeutics Group
Genetics testing company 23andMe is taking strides
toward drug development. In January it announced a major
deal with pharmaceutical company Genentech to analyze
genetic information from more than 3,000 people with Parkinson’s to identify new
drug targets and therapies for PD. Later this year, the partners will start enrolling
participants for whole-genome sequencing to uncover nuances and trends in
Parkinson’s genetics. In March 23andMe released news of its own therapeutics
group that will pore over its genetics database themselves as the starting point for
identifying new therapies.
FDA Approvals Bring New Parkinson’s
Therapies to U.S. Market
Rx
In January the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
approved two new formulations of traditional Parkinson’s
therapy levodopa/carbidopa. Both therapies are designed to
avoid “off” time — when symptoms return before it’s time for the next dose of
medication. MJFF awardee Impax Pharmaceuticals announced the approval of
RYTARY, an extended-release, oral capsule formulation of the drug. Less than a
week later, the FDA approved AbbVie’s Duopa gel formulation of carbidopa/
levodopa enteral suspension. The treatment, approved in Europe under the name
Duodopa since 2004, is delivered directly into the small intestine via a small infusion
pump and tube. The drug bypasses the stomach and thereby some of the
absorption issues impacting oral medicine. Duopa requires patients wear a large
external “box” in the belt region that may require maintenance.
STILL WANT TO LEARN MORE? The Friday following each Third Thursdays
Webinar, MJFF hosts a Twitter chat. MJFF’s resident movement disorder
specialist, Dr. Rachel Dolhun, continues discussing that month’s topic and answers
more of