Australian clinical trial shows promise in preventing Parkinson’s disease

Researchers at Macquarie University’s Brain Institute and Clinic have conducted a world-first clinical trial showing that an experimental drug, SNT-4728, may significantly reduce brain inflammation in individuals at high risk for Parkinson’s disease.

The 12-week phase two trial involved 41 participants diagnosed with isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD), a condition where patients act out dreams and serves as a precursor to Parkinson’s. Approximately 70% of those with iRBD eventually develop the disease. In the study, 30 patients received SNT-4728 while 11 received a placebo.

Lead researcher Professor Simon Lewis noted that the drug showed evidence of reducing inflammation in brain regions critical to motor function. By addressing this inflammation, researchers hope to prevent the loss of dopamine-producing cells. While the preliminary results are promising, investigators emphasized the need for longer-term studies to assess lasting effects. The team is currently seeking funding to expand the trial and aims to proceed to phase three clinical trials early next year.