Though the study is small, it’s promising.
Recently, French researchers conducted a study suggesting that a medication akin to the weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy could potentially impede the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Tracking 156 individuals in the early stages of Parkinson’s over a year, the study randomly assigned them either lixisenatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist by Sanofi, or a placebo. Results indicated that while Parkinson’s symptoms worsened in those on the placebo, those administered the drug did not exhibit such deterioration.
Experts cautiously regard these findings as a promising foundation for further exploration into the drug’s role in managing Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Michael Okun, a Parkinson’s disease specialist at the University of Florida, characterized the results as suggestive of the drug “nibbling at the edges of disease modification,” according to the New York Times. However, they stress that the study primarily aimed to test a hypothesis, necessitating further investigation.
A noteworthy aspect of the study was the occurrence of side effects, with over half of the patients reporting nausea and vomiting. This might be attributed to researchers initiating patients on the highest dosage immediately, rather than gradually increasing it. Consequently, the dosage was halved when a third of the patients found the side effects intolerable.
Led by Dr. Wassilios Meissner of the University of Bordeaux and Dr. Olivier Rascol of the University of Toulouse, the researchers see merit in exploring the potential of GLP-1 drugs in slowing Parkinson’s progression. They draw parallels between the increased Parkinson’s risk among individuals with type 2 diabetes and the efficacy of GLP-1 drugs in mitigating this risk among diabetic patients. Furthermore, examinations of brain tissue from deceased Parkinson’s patients have unveiled abnormalities linked to insulin resistance, a concern addressed by GLP-1 drugs.
Despite the interest in further investigation, Sanofi has withdrawn the drug from the United States and initiated a global withdrawal for business reasons. While the future of this specific medication in Parkinson’s treatment remains uncertain, the study offers valuable insights into potential approaches for managing this intricate neurological condition.
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