Clinical trial of obeticholic acid to improve thinking and memory problems
Researchers at Newcastle University are investigating whether obeticholic acid is safe and effective in treating thinking and memory problems for people with Parkinson’s. Obeticholic acid is currently approved to treat a liver condition in some people.
25 people with Parkinson’s
• who are aged between 18 and 79
• and experience mild cognitive impairment, such as issues with remembering things, feelings of distraction or disorganisation, and finding it difficult to plan and accomplish tasks
• Taking the trial medication, obeticholic acid, or a placebo for 6 months
• Attending 7 visits to the research site and receiving 3 telephone calls over a period of 6 months
• Face to face visits will vary in length between 2 and 4.5 hours
• Phone calls will last between 15 -20 minutes
• Visits will include filling out questionnaires, taking memory and thinking tests, walking assessments, giving blood samples and completing a patient diary
• Wearing a small activity monitor for 2 intervals of 7 days during the research trial; at the beginning of the trial and near the end of the trial
• Having 2 optional MRI scans
• Travel costs will be reimbursed
For more information, please read the participant information sheet.
Interested in taking part?
Please contact Kathryn Walker by email at [email protected] or phone 01912 081 250.
The deadline for taking part in this research is 31 July 2024.
This trial is funded by a company called Intercept Pharmaceuticals, who make the Obeticholic Acid drug. Intercept Pharmaceuticals are based outside of the UK in the United States.
Clinical Ageing Research Unit
Campus for Ageing and Vitality
Newcastle University
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE4 5PL
United Kingdom