In February 2021, we announced our bold plans to invest in driving forward research into the experimental Parkinson’s treatment, GDNF. We created a dedicated company — Vivifi Biotech — to lay the groundwork for a new clinical trial. In this post, we’d like to update you on our progress with this important and challenging project. — GDNF — which stands for Glial Cell-line Derived Neurotrophic Factor — is a protein that is naturally produced inside the brain with remarkable properties. …

With Parkinson’s UK calling on the Government this week to improve support for people with Parkinson’s dementia and their carers, we take a look at what research is going on to understand dementia in Parkinson’s and the progress being made towards better treatments. — Parkinson’s is a complex neurological condition with over 40 symptoms. From a tremor or stiffness to problems with sleep, mood and mental health. Everyone’s experience is different.

The early bird catches the worm — a proverb that might apply as much to Parkinson’s research as it does to life. But in a condition that can go largely undetected for years if not decades, can we act early and would we really want to? — When to start treating Parkinson’s Treating Parkinson’s today involves managing the symptoms caused by the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. Like a band-aid over a cut, drug therapies including levodopa and surgical approaches such as deep brain stimulation do more masking than they do treating. No therapy available today can slow or stop the progressive…

We investigate the link between the nose and neurological conditions and how researchers are using the nose as an entry point to get medications past the biological “border force” of the brain. — Researchers have long been interested in the connection between the nose, the brain and human health — from studies suggesting certain types of air pollutants may enter the brain through the relatively thin defences within the nasal cavity, to the link between loss of smell and the early signs of…

We explore the crucial role pharmaceutical companies play in delivering new treatments and take a look at some recent major investments to drive forward new therapies for Parkinson’s. — As we’ve seen this year with the rapid development of Covid-19 vaccines, large pharmaceutical companies are still crucial players in developing and delivering new medicines. Research is a team effort, but like a star striker in football, large pharma are usually the ones that are needed to get the ball…

As we say so long to 2020, and hope that 2021 might be a little kinder to all, we look back on some of the highlights. We reflect on the research advances that have been made and give thanks to the many people who have made progress happen. — 2020, well it’s been an interesting year, to say the least. But, while most of us have seen more of the inside of our homes than we would have liked, when it comes to Parkinson’s research, the past 12 months have been fairly eventful.

This week, a new initiative called Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) has injected a massive $161 million investment in global Parkinson’s research. We discover more about the projects that have received funding and find out how building on the research discoveries of yesterday will bring a brighter tomorrow. — Let’s start with the big news. $161million worth of research funding for 21 teams based in 11 different countries has been awarded through a global research initiative called ASAP (Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s). …

Have you come across advice that those with Parkinson’s should avoid too much refined sugar, or perhaps you’re aware of new research linking diabetes and the condition. We go behind the headlines to find out what is actually going on. — Over the last decade, a war on sugar has started. In March 2016 the government announced that a tax on sugary soft drinks would be introduced in the UK from 2018. …

Undergoing brain surgery may sound dramatic, but for around 300 people with Parkinson’s in the UK each year it is a lifeline that promises better symptom management and quality of life. We look back on how far research has come and current progress being made. — Surgery for movement disorders was pioneered in the early 1900s. At this time it wasn’t clear which areas of the brain were involved in the condition. …