Diabetes drug could help treat Parkinson's Disease

A drug used to treat patients with diabetes could benefit people with Parkinson’s Disease, according to research led by UCL Institute of Neurology.

The research, published in this month’s issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, reports the findings of a 12 month trial into the use of Exenatide, a drug approved for diabetes care, in patients with Parkinson’s Disease. At the end of the trial patients receiving Exenatide displayed improved motor skills and cognitive ability, while control patients declined.

Dr Foltynie, Senior Lecturer at UCL Institute of Neurology and corresponding author, says: "This is encouraging news for patients with Parkinson's. We have seen a definite effect in patients that have been exposed to this drug for 12 months. However, whether this is placebo or an active effect of a biological medication we need to do further research to ascertain."

Read more:

Aviles-Olmos, I et al.  Exenatide and the treatment of patients with Parkinson’s disease Journal of Clinical Investigation. Available online 20 May 2013. doi:10.1172/JCI68295