February 27, 2019

results of GDNF trial in patients with Parkinson’s disease

About one in every 350 adults in the UK has Parkinson’s disease.  There are various drugs and therapies that can help patients, but more is needed.  GDNF (glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor) is a protein that’s normally produced inside the brain.  Its potential as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease has been unclear, with previous studies showing mixed results.

Now, using an innovative method of delivering the protein directly to the brain, Parkinson’s UK have led a clinical trial of 41 patients to investigate whether or not GDNF is effective in treating Parkinson’s disease or helping with symptoms.  The results of the trial was published in two journal papers on Wednesday 27 February.

Speakers:

Dr Alan Whone, Chief Investigator and leader of the trial, and Consultant Senior Lecturer in Movement Disorder, University of Bristol and Bristol Brain Centre, Southmead Hospital

Dr Arthur Roach, Director of Research, Parkinson’s UK