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A drug typically prescribed for diabetes patients has demonstrated potential in slowing the advancement of motor complications linked to Parkinson's disease.

The promising effect of the drug lixisenatide is detailed in the new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine on Wednesday.

Parkinson's disease is a debilitating nervous system disorder characterized by a range of symptoms including tremors, bradykinesia (slowed movement), dysarthria (impaired speech), and postural instability, which worsen over time, with currently no known cure.

According to the Parkinson's Europe organization, approximately 10 million individuals struggle with the condition worldwide, and the figure is anticipated to double by 2050.

In response to the alarming rate of Parkinson's disease prevalence, researchers have been exploring the potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of drugs commonly used to manage diabetes and obesity, for their ability to protect neurons.

Previous studies yielded inconclusive results regarding the clinical benefits of these drugs in Parkinson's patients. However, the latest study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has shown promise.

For the study, scientists enrolled 156 individuals with early-stage Parkinson's from France, randomly assigning them to receive either lixisenatide or a placebo.

After one year of follow-up, participants receiving lixisenatide experienced no deterioration in their motor symptoms, unlike those in the placebo group.

Senior author Olivier Rascol, a neurologist at Toulouse University, described the observed effect as "modest," particularly noticeable during assessments conducted by healthcare professionals, who evaluated tasks such as walking, standing up and hand movements.

Rascol suggested that with extended follow-up, the differences in outcomes between the two groups could become more pronounced.

Rascol emphasized the significance of the findings via ScienceAlert, stating, "This is the first time that we have clear results, which demonstrate that we had an impact on the progression of the symptoms of the disease and that we explain it by a neuroprotective effect."

However, gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and reflux, were common among participants receiving lixisenatide, with some reporting weight loss.

Both Rasol and co-author Wassilios Meissner, a neurologist at Bordeaux University Hospital, noted the need for further investigation to confirm the drug's safety and efficacy before widespread clinical use.

Meanwhile, Michael Okun, medical director of the Parkinson's Foundation, encouraged cautious interpretation of the study's outcomes, noting the potential significance of the observed differences in patient outcomes.

Okun added that while the study may not meet the threshold for neuroprotection, the findings warrant attention and further research.

Rodolfo Savica, a neurology professor at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, also stressed the importance of replicating the study's results and conducting additional trials to validate the findings.

The study authors expressed anticipation for forthcoming trials that may provide further insights into the efficacy and safety of lixisenatide in managing Parkinson's disease progression.