New Generation of Drugs May Slow or Halt Parkinson’s Progression Within Years
Experts say six late-stage drugs could slow Parkinson’s and a blood test may detect the disease years early, with some treatments possibly available on the NHS soon.
A group of scientists highlighted six drugs currently in phase-III studies that target the underlying mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease, offering the prospect of slowing or even halting its progression. The most promising, prasinezumab, binds toxic alpha-synuclein aggregates, while other candidates repurpose existing medicines like ambroxol, telmisartan, terazosin and buntanetap. Parallel research at University College London is developing a simple blood-spot test capable of detecting disease-related protein patterns up to seven years before clinical signs, potentially enabling pre-symptomatic treatment.
Experts from Parkinson’s UK, Imperial College London and the University of Edinburgh expect some symptom-controlling drugs, such as tavapadon, could be prescribed on the NHS as early as next year, and disease-modifying agents within three years. Patient voices, including Anna Edwards, express optimism as trials expand. The advances rely on deeper understanding of alpha-synuclein spread and mitochondrial damage in brain cells.
Why it matters
Faster diagnosis and disease-modifying therapies could dramatically improve quality of life for millions with Parkinson’s.
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