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New biotech to drive forward GDNF treatment for Parkinson’s disease

UK charity Parkinson’s UK is creating a new company, Vivifi Biotech, to develop a treatment with potential to stop or reverse Parkinson’s disease. The experimental therapy surgically distributes GDNF, a protein that is naturally produced by the brain to protect cells, directly into the brain. The charity previously funded a clinical trial to investigate whether boosting GDNF levels could regenerate dying brain cells in people with Parkinson’s. Over the next two years, it will invest up to £800,000 to prepare for a second trial. Arthur Roach, head of research at Parkinson’s UK, said: “While our initial trial didn’t meet its critical endpoint, it did reveal robust evidence indicating that GDNF can possibly reverse Parkinson’s. This is why Parkinson’s UK is committed to continuing research into this potential treatment.” Vivifi Biotech, Roach added, will “bring the right people together to plan a new trial that meets the needs of patients, regulatory…

New wearable medical device for Parkinson’s disease to launch this year

The Imperial College London Innovation Fund, UK, has invested £205,000 to support UK-based tech company Charco Neurotech in its development of a non-invasive medical device for people with Parkinson’s disease. CUE1, a circular device that attaches to the sternum with medical adhesives, uses specialised vibration to help alleviate physical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Initial user testing among people with the condition found that the device improved movement by an average of 16%, with testers reporting benefits for walking and fine motor tasks. Lucy Jung, CEO and co-founder of Charco Neurotech, said: “We believe that CUE1 has the potential to significantly improve [Parkinson’s disease] symptoms through its unique controlled vibration technology. We are excited to continue our work on the device and we look forward to the outcome of our proposed clinical trials.” Charco Neurotech will use the Imperial College investment to initiate a clinical trial and fund the device’s manufacture for…

New study brings scientists a “vital step” closer to understanding Parkinson’s disease

A new study from scientists at the University of Cambridge, UK, has brought researchers “a vital step” closer to discovering the origins of Parkinson’s disease. The research, published in the scientific journal ‘Nature Communications’, offered insights on the protein alpha-synuclein, which clumps together in the neurons of people with Parkinson’s. The study focused on how the protein functions in those without the condition and revealed that it sticks to the inner side of the plasma membrane of nerve cells, but not the outer membrane – an insight that could help in the search for a cure. Lead study author, Dr Giuliana Fusco, said: “This study could unlock more information about this debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that can leave people unable to walk and talk. If we want to cure Parkinson’s, first we need to understand the function of alpha-synuclein, a protein present in everyone’s brains.”

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New biotech to drive forward GDNF treatment for Parkinson’s disease

New wearable medical device for Parkinson’s disease to launch this year

New study brings scientists a “vital step” closer to understanding Parkinson’s disease

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New biotech to drive forward GDNF treatment for Parkinson’s disease

New wearable medical device for Parkinson’s disease to launch this year

New study brings scientists a “vital step” closer to understanding Parkinson’s disease

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