Paris, France – A recent study conducted in Paris, France suggests that a drug similar to those used in “skinny jabs” could potentially slow down the progression of symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative condition that affects over 10 million people globally, resulting in the gradual loss of nerve cells in the brain and leading to movement difficulties, balance issues, and memory problems.
While current treatments aim to manage symptoms, there is still no cure for the disease. However, in recent years, there has been growing excitement around the potential benefits of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1R agonists) in treating Parkinson’s. Specifically, drugs like exenatide and lixisenatide, commonly used in type 2 diabetes treatment, have shown promise in slowing down the progression of motor symptoms in individuals with Parkinson’s.
Researchers at the University hospital of Bordeaux in France conducted a study involving 156 individuals recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s. The participants were divided into two groups, with one group receiving daily injections of lixisenatide in addition to their usual Parkinson’s medication, while the other group received a placebo. Over the course of 12 months, those receiving lixisenatide showed minimal progression of motor problems compared to those on the placebo, indicating a potential benefit of the drug in protecting against neuronal loss in the brain.
Despite promising results, some participants experienced side effects such as nausea and vomiting while taking lixisenatide. Further research is now needed to determine the drug’s long-term effects, optimal dosage, and its potential benefits for individuals at different stages of Parkinson’s. The findings have laid the groundwork for larger phase 3 clinical trials, offering hope for the development of new and effective treatments for Parkinson’s disease.