Parkinson's UK invests in first trial of pioneering treatment in people with Parkinson’s

Parkinson's UK, in partnership with The Michael J. Fox Foundation, is funding a £1.55m clinical trial to test the safety and potential benefits of a new drug, HER-096, for Parkinson's disease. HER-096, developed by Herantis Pharma, aims to protect and restore dopamine-producing brain cells and is based on CDNF, a brain-produced growth factor. Unlike CDNF, which requires invasive delivery, HER-096 can be administered via a simple injection. The trial, conducted in Finland, involves 24 Parkinson’s patients receiving HER-096 or a placebo twice a week for 4 weeks. The study will monitor side effects and determine optimal dosage for future trials. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples will be analyzed to assess the drug’s impact on brain cells. Arthur Roach of Parkinson’s UK highlights the potential of HER-096 to offer a less invasive, life-changing treatment for Parkinson’s.