Generous Funding Fuels ParkinsonS Research at Karolinska Institutet
A new study investigating the progression of Parkinson’s disease has received vital support from the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, bolstering efforts at Karolinska institutet (KI). Led by Professor Andrea Varrone of the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, the research focuses on utilizing advanced PET (positron emission tomography) technology to visualize synaptic connections in the brain.
Professor Varrone’s team has developed a radioligand,[[[[11C]UCB-1A, designed to bind to synapses – the crucial links between nerve cells. As synapse loss is a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease, this tracer holds meaningful promise for deepening understanding of the disease’s mechanisms and evaluating the effectiveness of potential therapies.The study will involve both healthy individuals and those diagnosed with Parkinson’s, aiming to determine the tracer’s reliability for diagnostic purposes.
“It is an significant step forward both for my research and for the field in general,” says Professor Varrone. “The results can enable earlier diagnosis and better evaluation of new treatments, and in the long run it can contribute to more efficient and individualized care.”
The research benefits significantly from KI’s robust infrastructure, including access to advanced imaging core facilities within the Bioclinicum. Moreover, the proximity of the New Karolinska Hospital fosters crucial collaboration between preclinical and clinical research, accelerating the translation of discoveries into tangible patient benefits.
Professor Varrone emphasizes the importance of this connection, stating, “The strategic location…makes it possible to collaborate closely…something that is crucial for quickly translating new discoveries into patient benefits.” He hopes the study will demonstrate the safety and efficacy of[[[[11C]UCB-1A, paving the way for its future use as a diagnostic tool and a method for monitoring treatment response in Parkinson’s disease.
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Andrea Varro. photo: N/A
