Cure Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Research UK announce partnership
Cure Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Research UK are working on an initiative that could pave the way for innovative neurodegenerative treatments.
There is a growing recognition that tackling neurodegenerative diseases could benefit from a collaborative, cross-disease approach.
Cure Parkinson’s is recognising the overlap in underlying biological processes and drugs that may show potential therapeutic benefits for both Parkinson’s and the diseases that cause dementia.
This partnership will capitalise on shared research findings, expertise and resources to accelerate drug development for both conditions.
Dr Simon Stott, Director of Research, Cure Parkinson’s, said: “Cure Parkinson’s is committed to working collaboratively with other organisations to accelerate the search for a cure for Parkinson’s.
“This avenue of research has the potential to make a difference in both the fields of Parkinson’s and dementia and ultimately, to those living with these conditions
This partnership is part of Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Clinical Accelerator programme.
This initiative hopes to improve the UK’s ability to run clinical trials for dementia by providing funding for innovative trials and researchers, reducing the time it takes for promising treatments to reach those affected by dementia.
It is also an extension to Cure Parkinson’s International Linked Clinical Trials (iLCT) programme, led in partnership with the Van Andel Institute.
It is an initiative which has an established track record for advancing clinical trials.
In June 2025 the iLCT committee meeting will host a joint session where drugs identified as having potential to be repurposed or repositioned for the mutual benefit of dementia and Parkinson’s will be reviewed.
This review is carried out by a panel of international experts.
Cure Parkinson’s hopes that this partnership will serve as a template for future cross-condition collaborations, for example with multiple sclerosis, where both conditions are influenced by inflammation.
Helen Matthews, CEO, Cure Parkinson’s, said: “We are delighted to announce Cure Parkinson’s partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK around our International Linked Clinical Trials Initiative.
“We are confident it will accelerate finding treatments with the potential to slow, stop or reverse Parkinson’s as it means we can investigate drugs of mutual interest, targeting aspects of biology of both conditions.
“This partnership will also capitalise on shared research findings, expertise and resources to speed up drug development for both conditions.
Dr Leah Mursaleen, Head of Clinical Research, Alzheimer’s Research UK, added: “Repurposing drugs that are being used for other conditions has huge potential in finding new dementia treatments.
“And around one third of drugs currently in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease are exploring this strategy.
“Recognising the overlap in underlying biological mechanisms with Parkinson’s disease, we’re working together with Cure Parkinson’s to break down silos, and ultimately work faster and smarter to deliver treatments that people with dementia and Parkinson’s so desperately need.”
