Diabetes Drug Could Help Treat Parkinson Disease
Exenatide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, was associated with motor scores and may be an effective treatment for patients with Parkinson disease, according to the results of a recent study.
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Standard Therapy Ineffective for Parkinson Disease
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While preclinical models have suggested that exenatide could have neuroprotective effects, these effects are yet to be tested in a clinical trial.
The researchers conducted a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 60 patients with moderate Parkinson disease who were assigned to receive either subcutaneous injections of exenatide 2mg or placebo once a week for 48 weeks, followed by a 12-week washout period. Eligible participants were aged 25 to 75 years, were on dopaminergic treatment with wearing-off effects, and were at Hoehn and Yahr stage 2·5 or less when on treatment.
The primary outcome of the study was adjusted difference in the Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) motor subscale in the practically defined off-medication state at 60 weeks.
At 60 weeks, off-medication scores on part 3 of the MDS-UPDRS had improved by 1.0 points in individuals who were randomly assigned to exenatide, and had worsened by 2.1 points in individuals in the placebo group.
“Whether exenatide affects the underlying disease pathophysiology or simply induces long-lasting symptomatic effects is uncertain,” the researchers concluded. “Exenatide represents a major new avenue for investigation in Parkinson's disease, and effects on everyday symptoms should be examined in longer-term trials.
—Michael Potts
Reference:
Athauda D, Maclagan K, Skene SS, et al. Exenatide once weekly versus placebo in Parkinson's disease: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial [published online August 3, 2017]. Lancet. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(17)31585-4.