New Hope In The Treatment Of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement of body. PD is characterised by gradual-loss of dopamine-producing brain cells from substantia nigra, a part of brain.
Dopamine is a neuro-transmitter helps to co-ordinate movements. Its depletion causes unwanted and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Good news is that two therapies have entered in the third stage of clinical trial. These are:
- Novel dopamine- based therapy
- Stem cell therapy
Novel dopamine-based therapy is for motor symptoms management and stem cell therapy can help to stop loss of brain cells. When these therapies work together, it can help to fight against PD.
Tavapadon: A Next Generation Dopamine Therapy
In PD, most affected neuro-transmitter is Dopamine.
Dopamine agonists like- pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine etc. act by binding with dopamine receptors in the brain, but they show some side-effects like excessive sleepiness and psychosis.
Tavapadon is a partial agonist shows fewer side effects than existing medications.
In clinical studies, known as TEMPO trials; Tavapadon showed improvements in motor control and daily function then, existing dopamine agonists.
Bemdaneprocel: A Cell Therapy for PD
A Stem cell-based therapy called bemdaneprocel uses dopamine –producing neurons derived from stem cells and replace the brain cells that are degenerated in PD.
These are implanted directly in the affected area of brain. Here they will connect directly with the affected brain and help to restore dopamine functions.
Bemdaneprocel is more effective and better tolerated by patients of PD.
Study Source: exPDite-2
Why These Two Therapies Matter
These two therapies give new hope to improve quality of life and to pursue long term solutions in patients of PD.
Tavapadon is an advanced oral medicine whereas Bemdaneprocel could be first therapy to restore dopamine functions in the patients of Parkinson ’s disease.
These both therapies are now waiting for approvals of safety and long-term benefits.
Key Points:
- Tavapodon is a new medicine, reviewed by FDA for potential approval.
- Bemdaneprocel is a first stem cell therapy for PD, is entering in phase 3 of clinical trial.
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MBH/PS