New drug could reduce damage to brain cells linked to Parkinson’s symptoms
Initial results suggest the drug SNT-4728 was able to reduce inflammation in an area of the brain that controls movement and motivation.
A pioneering global clinical trial funded through our drug development programme, in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, has published its first results showing it can reduce inflammation in the brain.
SNT-4728, developed by Australian drug development company Syntara, was trialled in people with a sleep condition called isolated REM sleep behaviour disorder (iRBD). People with iRBD are considered to be a high risk group for developing Parkinson’s.
The first results released from the trial also demonstrated that the drug was safe for use, with no major side effects.
The full results of the trial, including a more detailed look at brain scans and changes in the blood or spinal fluid of participants, will be released later in the year.
iRBD and Parkinson’s
We know that brain cells of people with iRBD also experience too much inflammation. This could lead to damage and loss of brain cells, which eventually results in development of Parkinson’s symptoms. Around 7 out of 10 people with iRBD go on to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s within 15 years.
Trialling potential new treatments to slow or stop Parkinson’s in people with a high risk of developing the condition enables researchers to better assess how effective a drug might be at protecting the remaining brain cells.
Marisa was diagnosed with iRBD in 2018, and took part in the clinical trial:
"At the time I was experiencing iRBD symptoms around a couple of times a week. Occasionally they’re physical: flinching or tapping my feet as though I’m running on the spot. But more often, I speak or shout in my sleep. It’s often quite rude, which apparently is common!
"I felt quite altruistic about being able to make a contribution to helping people understand Parkinson's. I have an aunt who's got Parkinson's and I know that she's struggled. So, it feels good to be able to get involved in helping that big bank of knowledge to develop.
"But also, if the drug is successful and it comes to market, I could end up taking it and it might prevent me from ever developing Parkinson's. Or at least it could help me keep symptoms to a minimum."
What did the results show?
Participants with iRBD were recruited across 2 sites in Oxford, UK, and Sydney, Australia. Of the 41 people involved in the trial, 30 were given SNT-4728 to take once a day for 12 weeks. The remaining 11 were given a placebo, or dummy pill.
Everyone on the trial had a brain scan before starting the drug, and then again at the end of the study. The brain scan showed levels of inflammation in different areas of the brain.
Inflammation was significantly lower in an area of the brain called the putamen. The putamen controls many movement symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as slowness of movement, stiffness and tremor. It’s also involved in giving your body the cues it needs to start moving.
There was no significant change in inflammation in other areas of the brain that are associated with Parkinson’s, however it was reduced in some other brain regions.
What does this mean?
Seeing a change in inflammation levels over such a short time is very promising, as it suggests that the drug is having an impact on processes in the brain that are involved in Parkinson’s. There are currently no treatments that can slow or stop Parkinson’s symptoms from getting worse.
Dr Lynsey Bilsland, Managing Director of our global drug development programme, said: "By targeting Parkinson’s symptoms before they appear, we can potentially slow, or even stop, the condition in its tracks. That’s why these early results from Syntara’s phase 2 trial are encouraging for people living with Parkinson’s and potentially other neurological conditions. We look forward to reviewing the remaining results in the coming months.
"These findings pave the way for further trials that could result in a drug that can slow or stop Parkinson’s symptoms progressing, something no drug can currently do. Our drug development programme, funded in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, is working and driving forward the most promising treatments.
"We’re not stopping here. This is one potential life-changing treatment, and we’ll keep accelerating more as we continue to build our understanding of the causes, and search for a cure for Parkinson’s."
Syntara Chief Executive Officer, Gary Phillips, said: "This study pushes the boundaries of what is technically possible and, when complete, will amass a significant body of evidence in this world first interventional study in iRBD.
"It would not have been possible without the support from Parkinson’s UK and Parkinson's Foundation who funded the study, the dedication of our two principal investigators, Professor Michele Hu in Oxford and Professor Simon Lewis in Sydney, the healthcare teams at the sites and, of course, the patients.
"The study has generated a great deal of interest in the wider Parkinson’s community and we look forward to working with our collaborators to deliver the remaining trial results in the next few months and evaluate the path forward after this promising start."
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