Help us investigate the role of chronic brain inflammation in Parkinson's
We all want to see promising new treatments. That's why the Virtual Biotech is leading an inflammation research project.
What is inflammation?
Inflammation is the body's natural response to infection or injuries. It's not usually harmful or unexpected. However, there is strong evidence that brain cells are damaged when there is chronic inflammation of the brain. This includes cells that produce dopamine (the cells that are lost over time in Parkinson's).
We've been investigating the role of chronic brain inflammation at Parkinson's and discovered a group of molecules that we think could help reduce inflammation. By targeting and weakening specific proteins on the surface of micrologia (the brain's immune system cells), we can help protect dopamine producing brain cells.
Watch the video below to understand more about inflammation and its role in Parkinson's.
Testing our discovery
We now need to test a large number of molecules from the group to know if they will target the protein effectively.
- We'll first test compounds that contain the promising molecules identified in human cells grown in the lab.
- Next we'll discover how they interact with microglia.
- We'll then look at how good they are at reducing inflammation.
- By the end of this project we aim to have a molecule that can reduce inflammation in the brain.
- We would then take it forward into further testing. Eventually we'd hope to develop a drug that can be tested in clinical trials.
We believe it could take us a step closer to the breakthrough we've all been waiting for. We need your help to try to get us there.
Will you help fund the testing phase of this discovery?
100% of your gift will take us closer to a better understanding of how to reduce inflammation in Parkinson's.
- Paypal accepted
- Mastercard accepted
- Visa accepted
- American Express accepted
What is the Virtual Biotech?
We all want to see promising new treatments but drug development can take years. That's why Parkinson's UK launched the Virtual Biotech in 2017. Because Parkinson's UK is here to help our community (not for profit) we'll invest in promising new projects where others won't.
We believe that this investigation into the role of inflammation in Parkinson's could take us a step closer to the breakthrough we've all been waiting for.
The Parkinson's Virtual Biotech is our drug discovery and development programme.
Founded in 2017, it uses cutting edge biological and chemical research to come up with new treatments.
As the largest European charitable funder of Parkinson's research.
We're adopting a radical new approach to our research. We're speeding up the process of finding better treatments for Parkinson's.
Our groundbreaking research and vital services depend totally on the money you raise and donate.
Our work is powered by people who care about Parkinson’s. People like you.