Pioneering UK trial underway to tackle early causes of Parkinson’s

The Parkinson’s UK funded trial is part of a global effort with Australian drug discovery company, Syntara. It aims to uncover whether a potential treatment can reduce inflammation in the brain, to hopefully protect brain cells from dying over time.

The trial is investigating a drug, called SNT-4728, in people with isolated rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder (iRBD). iRBD is a diagnosed condition where people act out their dreams, sometimes multiple times a night. Research has shown that people with the condition have a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s.

With research sites in Australia already active, the UK now joins the partnership to better understand the earliest causes and signs of Parkinson’s, trialling a drug that aims to slow down or stop the condition from developing.

Francis, 1 of 40 participants, who is living with iRBD, kicked off the start of the UK part of the trial earlier this week. He received the first dose of either the active medication or the placebo (a dummy medication that looks like the real thing) and will continue to take this over the next 12 weeks.

Motivation to take part in research

Francis was diagnosed with iRBD 5 years ago and is aware that it could lead to Parkinson’s.

“I took part in this research as it felt like time to contribute something back. It is also good to have an understanding of Parkinson’s moving forward, how it progresses, and anything that I could do to slow its progression. The hope is that a cure, or a slowing down of the condition, will be found for the future, and give people hope.

“For now, exercise is extremely beneficial to me. I go to classes twice a week. This is supported locally through Parkinson’s UK with subsidised exercise groups".

What’s iRBD got to do with Parkinson’s?

Previous research has identified that the development of iRBD increases people’s risk of developing Parkinson’s. A recent study found that over 70% of people with iRBD  went on to develop Parkinson’s or a similar neurological condition over 12 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.

What’s next?

If this small trial is successful it could pave the way for a larger study to continue to understand the potential of this drug for people with Parkinson’s.

Dr Arthur Roach, Director of the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech at Parkinson’s UK, said:  
"This trial represents a beacon of hope for the Parkinson’s community. By focusing on those at higher risk of developing the condition, we are not only advancing our understanding of Parkinson’s but also exploring a possible treatment that could alter the course of the condition, or even delay its appearance".

Dr Jana Baskar, Chief Medical Officer at Syntara, said: “My mother has Parkinson’s so I have a personal motivation to help deliver this clinical trial and progress this area of research towards a treatment that could slow or stop the onset of the condition. This would be life changing for so many people".