A small molecule may slow Parkinson’s progression by blocking harmful protein clumping in the brain, early research suggests.
The treatment, known as SK-129, was designed to stop a neuronal protein building up and spreading between brain cells, a process linked to Parkinson’s and related conditions.
Those conditions include Lewy body dementia and multiple system atrophy, progressive disorders that affect movement, thinking and other brain functions. Researchers said there are currently no approved treatments that can stop or slow this process.
Researchers from NYU Abu Dhabi and the University of Denver tested SK-129 in human cells, patient-derived tissue and living organisms.
They found the molecule reduced harmful disease-related effects across the different models. In mouse studies, it also reduced the development of disease-related brain damage.
The team said SK-129 could cross the blood-brain barrier, the protective layer that often prevents drugs from reaching the brain, which is a major challenge in developing neurological treatments.
The study also suggested the molecule may block a harmful interaction involving another neuronal protein strongly linked to Alzheimer’s disease, raising the possibility that it could have wider use in complex neurological disorders.
Mazin Magzoub, associate professor of biology at NYU Abu Dhabi and co-lead author, said: “This is an important step towards developing treatments that target the root cause of these diseases. Instead of only treating symptoms, we are working towards slowing or stopping the disease itself.”
The researchers said more work is needed before the treatment could be used clinically, but the findings point to a possible new approach for Parkinson’s and related brain conditions.
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