Caffeine cuts Parkinson’s, even with genetic predisposition

New research unveils a significant correlation between caffeine consumption and a lowered risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD) for individuals with Asian gene variants linked to the disorder. The study involving 4,488 subjects disclosed that regular consumption of tea or coffee curtailed the risk of developing PD by four to eight times compared to non-caffeine drinkers who have the gene.

“Caffeine is known to have a potential protective effect against PD and other neurodegenerative conditions, but we have shown that it can significantly cut the risk of PD and level the playing field for Asians who are genetically at higher risk of PD and are currently symptom-free,” said the study’s principal investigator, Professor Tan Eng King, Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute in Singapore. Click here to learn more.

Emalex Biosciences releases results of open-label extension study for Tourette syndrome candidate

No new safety concerns were identified following an open-label extension study evaluating the safety profile of the investigational drug ecopipam for up to twelve months of treatment, according to Emalex Biosciences. The study looked at 121 pediatric patients with Tourette syndrome.

Emalex is currently conducting a Phase 3 clinical trial of ecopipam for the treatment of Tourette syndrome at more than 90 sites in North America and Europe. Click here to learn more.

Phase 2 trial to test DMF as Friedreich’s ataxia treatment

Researchers are conducting a Phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and molecular effects of dimethyl fumarate (DMF), an approved treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) and psoriasis, in people with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). “This is the first study aimed at exploring the ability of DMF, an already available treatment for MS and psoriasis, to correct the biological deficits of [FA],” the researchers wrote.

Based on both preclinical research and clinical studies in MS patients, it is thought that DMF’s mechanisms might enable it to directly target core processes that are dysregulated in FA — namely low frataxin levels and the dysfunction of mitochondria, cells’ energy production centers. Click here to learn more.

Don't miss the 2023 Rocky Mountain HDSA Family Education Day - this Saturday!

Emily Forbes, DO, MS, is the Director of the HDSA Center of Excellence at the University of Colorado Movement Disorders Center. A board-certified neurologist, Dr. Forbes developed clinical expertise in movement disorders during her fellowship training, as well as expertise in performing procedures including botulinum toxin injections for dystonia and spasticity. Dr. Forbes also programs deep brain stimulators for essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease and dystonia.

Dr. Forbes joins Dr. Rajeev Kumar in a presentation on advances in understanding Huntington’s disease and promising new therapies at the 2023 Rocky Mountain HDSA Family Education Day this Saturday, October 21, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village, CO. Admission to this event is free. Click here for program information and to register online .

Pipeline Parkinson’s drugs could revolutionize treatment

Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have limited treatment options with none available to slow disease progression. While there are a number of unmet needs for patients with PD including effective treatment for motor symptoms such as levodopa-induced dyskinesia, off-episodes, gait and imbalance, current treatments are limited to those providing symptomatic relief with a huge vacuum in disease-modifying therapies.

Novel therapies which are in Phase II and III trials are looking to tackle some of these vacuums, including treatment of motor symptoms. If these therapies prove successful, they could revolutionize treatment for patients. Click here to learn more.