Can Incretins Treat Parkinson’s Disease?

Only one biopharma group is actively trialing a GLP-1 agonist in the condition. It might not be alone for long.    

Degeneration of dopaminergic neuron, a key stage of development of Parkinson's disease, 3D illustration - Illustration

The news this week that a GLP-1 agonist had succeeded in improving the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease was curious for two reasons: one, several trials of similar incretins in the condition have failed; and two, the trial was conducted by academic researchers rather than a pharma company.

Key Takeaways
  • Lixisenatide, a GLP-1 agonist, has shown potential in treating Parkinson’s disease
  • Prior trials of similar drugs have failed
  • But several other incretins, including semaglutide, are in active

The molecule in question is lixisenatide, better known as Sanofi’s diabetes medicine Adlyxin

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