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Targeting inflammation in Parkinson’s an update on two phase trials (azathioprine and dapansutrile) by Dr Caroline Williams Gray

April 20, 2026

In this presentation, Dr Caroline Williams-Gray from Cambridge University discusses the recent results of the phase 2 trial of azathioprine (AZA-PD), an immunosuppressive medication. Cure Parkinson’s funded a sub-study of this trial which aimed to better understand azathioprine’s mechanism of action, or how the drug interacts with the body. This trial involved 66 people with early-stage Parkinson’s (diagnosed less than 3 years before recruitment) taking azathioprine or a placebo (dummy drug) for 12 months. The researchers aimed to determine if azathioprine can “correct” the Parkinson’s immune profile and slow progression by suppressing immune activity in the brain and body.

Dr Williams-Gray discusses the results of this study, as well as gives an update on the ongoing phase 2 trial of dapansutrile – a novel anti-inflammatory drug being developed by Olatec Therapeutics.

This presentation was part of the Cure Parkinson’s Spring 2026 Research Update Meeting. Find out more about these meetings - https://cureparkinsons.org.uk/researc...

In this video, you will learn:

  • The "Petrol Tank" Analogy: Why dopamine replacement therapy manages symptoms but fails to stop the underlying widespread degeneration in the brain.
  • The ASAP-PD Trial Results: A detailed look at how Azathioprine reduced brain inflammation and significantly improved movement symptoms, particularly in women.
  • Targeting the NLRP3 Inflammosome: How the new Dapansutrile trial aims to provide the same anti-inflammatory benefits with fewer side effects by focusing on a specific immune pathway.
  • Sex Differences in Parkinson's: Why research into immune responses may need to be tailored differently for men and women.

Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction and the challenge of treating Parkinson's.
[04:30] The spectrum of Parkinson's: Why the immune system might drive progression.
[07:00] Measuring inflammation in blood, brain tissue, and PET imaging.
[16:15] The ASAP-PD Trial: Repurposing Azathioprine as a proof of concept.
[24:10] Results: Impact on motor symptoms and the striking difference in female participants.
[30:30] Lessons learned: Peripheral immune suppression can reduce brain inflammation.
[33:40] The DAP-PD Trial: Introduction to Dapansutrile and the NLRP3 pathway.
[41:00] Q&A: Safety, dosage, and the future of personalised immune therapies.

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Disclaimer:
This session is for informational and educational purposes only. Always consult with your medical professional before making changes to your care plan. See https://nosilverbullet4pd.com/disclamer-.html for full disclaimer.

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