Dundee Uni to develop new drug to fight parkinsons disease
The pill aims to slow the rate at which the condition progresses - meaning people could live long term
A new way of fighting parkinsons is to be developed by Dundee uni to treat those who've recently been diagnosed.
The drug would come in the form of a pill - and researchers hope it could slow the symptoms down enough to mean people could live long term.
It's hoped human testing could begin within four years - Dr Julie Brady is heading up the work.
"It's significant in that we're looking to develop a drug that will be a new way of treating the disease," she said.
"It's a very complex illness and this approach is one that is over and above the existing therapies that are out there."
Work on the project will start next month after a multi-million-pound partnership with a Korean based pharmaceutical company was drawn up.
If successful it could be on the market in around eight to 10 years time.
"It would stop the disease from being a progressive indication as it is know and turn it into something that we can slow down," said Dr Brady.
"This would create something that people would be able to more easily live with."
A key biological event in the development of Parkinson’s disease is the accumulation and misfolding of a small protein in the brain called α–synuclein, which can kill nerve cells.
Research at the University of Oxford has shown that an enzyme, USP8, prevents the natural breakdown of α–synuclein.
Working in collaboration with Dr George Tofaris at Oxford, the DDU has identified a series of drug-like molecules that block USP8 and could reduce the levels of α–synuclein in the brain, potentially providing a treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
Dr Beckie Port, Research Manager at Parkinson's UK, said, “Finding treatments that target the alpha-synuclein protein holds promise for one day slowing or stopping the progression of Parkinson’s - something no current treatment can do.
“It's an exciting time for Parkinson's research. Our increased understanding of the biology of the condition means we're now at a stage to turn our wealth of knowledge into much-needed treatments for people with Parkinson's.
“It’s great to hear that researchers from the University of Dundee are joining forces with the University of Oxford, and Bukwang Pharmaceutical Company, to drive forward the development of drugs to help all those living with Parkinson’s.”
The partnership with Bukwang Pharm strengthens the existing Dundee-Oxford relationship, which has been supported by the Medical Research Council. Bukwang Pharm will facilitate a further three-year programme of work at Dundee and Oxford to advance these drug-like molecules towards clinical development.
The aim is to formulate much-needed therapies for Parkinson’s disease and other diseases where α–synuclein pathology is implicated. Bukwang Pharm holds an exclusive option to acquire worldwide development and commercialisation rights of resulting novel molecules.
Professor Paul Wyatt, Head of the Drug Discovery Unit, said, “We are delighted to be announcing this partnership with Bukwang Pharm.
"Drug discovery for neurological disorders is especially challenging and an area where academia and industry need to be working together.
"This project brings together the clinical and translational research expertise in Oxford with Dundee’s professional drug discovery capabilities allowing us to move one stage further towards a treatment.”
Hee-Won Yoo, CEO Bukwang Pharm, said, “Bukwang Pharm has a firm focus on research and development and a real commitment to innovation in drug development.
"We are very impressed with the DDU’s depth of expertise and track record and are pleased to be able to include the University of Oxford in this new partnership."