£16m funding announced to drive forward a drug that could slow the loss of brain cells in Parkinson’s through a collaboration with the drug discovery company NRG Therapeutics Ltd. It began with the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech in 2019. Read the story so far … — Research looking to find a way to slow or stop Parkinson’s is high on the agenda for people with Parkinson’s, their friends and loved ones. We often hear how frustratingly slow people find research, but there’s a glimmer of hope. …

In the last two years we have made real progress in scoping out a future GDNF trial. We still believe that GDNF has real promise. The next priority is seeking investors to help make a future trial possible. — Recap What’s GDNF? GDNF stands for glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor. It is part of a group of proteins called growth factors and some refer to these as ”the fertilisers of the brain”. …

We chat to Dr Kevin McFarthing who helps to summarise all of the active research into Parkinson’s in a way that everyone can understand. He tells us, of the 147 ongoing registered clinical studies, what treatments he thinks are the most promising and how best to stay up to date. — We frequently get asked, “so, what’s going on with research into Parkinson’s?” And the answer is a lot! This is promising and reassuring, but it can also be overwhelming for people to stay up to date with research in a way that’s understandable and manageable.

This blog gives a snapshot of the exciting research projects we’re funding through the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech, a groundbreaking global movement to deliver life-changing new treatments in years, not decades. — Research can be a long and frustrating process. That being said, research has come a long way in the journey to better understand Parkinson’s and search for better treatments and a cure, but there’s still much more to be done.

Researchers are looking for 408 people with Parkinson’s to help find a treatment to improve mood and potentially slow the progression of motor symptoms. — There are many symptoms of Parkinson’s that aren’t talked about enough. Whether that’s bladder problems or struggling with things like a lack of motivation, anxiety or low mood. These all fall into the category of non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. …

What are the unmet needs for women living with Parkinson’s? Recently researchers have been sharing what we know so far, to try and understand knowledge gaps as well as starting to form a movement to take action. Research is one vital area on the agenda. — It is estimated that 145 000 people are living with Parkinson’s in the UK, 10 million worldwide. If you ask people what Parkinson’s is and who it affects, the image of an older man with a tremor might spring to mind. …

This blog explains the research evidence behind some of the most asked about supplements and Parkinson’s. — There is an overwhelming amount of information that can be found relating to health and supplements — bold claims, expensive products and little evidence. This blog aims to summarise some of the research that is happening in this area. What are supplements? When people talk about supplements this normally refers to adding something…

Experts from across the globe come together to discuss what’s happening with research into physical activity and exercise for Parkinson’s. — This blog captures the highlights from a discussion that took place over Zoom, led by Laurel and Andrew who have Parkinson’s. Read on to meet the group and get the answers to some of Laurel and Andrew’s burning questions.

We continue to work in new and pioneering ways to accelerate the search for better treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s. Read on to hear our highlights from the year. — Compared to the hiatus of 2020, for many of us, in 2021 life started moving again. We have adapted and are learning to live in a world that feels a little different than before. …