What's Happening?
Researchers in the UK have initiated a large-scale trial to test various therapies for Parkinson's disease, aiming to slow or halt its progression. The trial, named EJS ACT-PD, is set to enroll approximately
1,600 patients and will utilize a basket trial approach, a method that gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, the trial will test two established drugs, telmisartan and terazosin, for potential repurposing as Parkinson's treatments, comparing them to a placebo. A third drug, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), will begin testing next year, with the possibility of additional candidates being added. The trial design allows patients to switch drugs if no benefit is observed, with follow-ups every six months for up to three years. The study aims to recruit a diverse population representative of the Parkinson's community in the UK.
Why It's Important?
This trial represents a significant step in Parkinson's research, potentially accelerating the development of effective treatments. By repurposing existing drugs, researchers hope to find therapies that offer more than symptom relief, addressing the underlying progression of the disease. The trial's flexible design could reduce the time needed to test drug candidates by up to three years, offering a faster path to new treatments. With Parkinson's being one of the fastest-growing neurological conditions globally, affecting 166,000 people in the UK alone, successful outcomes from this trial could have widespread implications for patient care and treatment strategies.
What's Next?
The trial is currently recruiting participants in London and Newcastle, with plans to expand to over 40 hospitals across the UK by April next year. The infrastructure established for this trial is intended to be permanent, allowing for rapid testing of additional therapies in the future. Researchers hope the trial will serve as a model for future studies in Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treatment options.
Beyond the Headlines
The trial's approach highlights the growing trend of repurposing existing drugs for new therapeutic uses, a strategy that can significantly reduce development costs and time. Additionally, the trial's inclusive recruitment strategy aims to ensure that findings are applicable to a broad spectrum of patients, addressing disparities in treatment outcomes across different demographics.
