New Study Shows Diabetes Drug Lixisenatide Could Slow Progression of Parkinson’s Disease

Scope of the Study

A recent study conducted by researchers revealed exciting developments in the management of Parkinson’s disease. This study suggests that a drug similar to those used in “skinny jabs” could potentially slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease symptoms. The findings point to a significant step forward in Parkinson’s disease research.

Parkinson’s Disease: A Global Concern

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Parkinson’s disease affects over 10 million people worldwide. This condition, characterized by the loss of nerve cells in the brain over time, leads to movement, balance, and memory problems, among other effects.

Current Treatment Landscape

Although treatments are available to help manage symptoms, there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease. However, recent advancements involving the use of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1R agonists) have sparked excitement. Exenatide, a type 2 diabetes medication, has shown promise in slowing the progression of motor symptoms in a small group of Parkinson’s disease patients.

Lixisenatide: A Potential Breakthrough

The latest research indicates that lixisenatide, another type 2 diabetes medication, shares similar positive effects in slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease symptoms. This observation strengthens the hypothesis that Parkinson’s disease could be linked to insulin resistance in the brain.

Encouraging Results

Principal investigator, Prof Wassilios Meissner from the University hospital of Bordeaux, expressed excitement about the study’s results. Meissner emphasized the clear and strong signals that emerged from the research, likening them to the previously successful exenatide trial.

Through the randomized study, which involved 156 recently diagnosed Parkinson’s disease patients, lixisenatide demonstrated its potential benefits. Participants were split into two equal-sized groups with one group receiving an additional daily injection of lisinexatide, while the other group received a placebo. After 12 months, those administered lixisenatide showed little to no progression of motor problems. On the other hand, the placebo group experienced worsening symptoms, highlighting a modest yet meaningful difference.

Possible Protective Effects on the Brain

Remarkably, the positive effects of lixisenatide were still evident two months after the trial concluded and after other Parkinson’s medications were stopped abruptly. This suggests that lixisenatide not only helps alleviate symptoms but also protects the brain against the loss of neurons.

Considerations and Drawbacks

Despite the promising results, the study noted some drawbacks with lixisenatide. Approximately half of the participants receiving lixisenatide reported nausea, and 13% reported vomiting as side effects. Further research is needed to determine the drug’s long-term effects, optimal dosage, and potential benefits for people at different stages of Parkinson’s disease.

Experts Call for Larger Clinical Trials

Heather Mortiboys, a professor of cellular neuroscience and metabolism at the University of Sheffield, praised the study as a significant step towards larger phase 3 clinical trials. Mortiboys emphasized the potential of GLP-1R agonists, such as lixisenatide, to provide new and effective treatment options for Parkinson’s disease sufferers.