PARKINSON'S DISEASE NEWS

22nd July 2009 - New research

ISTRADEFYLLINE FAILS CLINICAL TRIALS FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Parkinsonism Related Disorders [2009] Jul 17 [Epub ahead of print] (Fernandez HH, Greeley DR, Zweig RM, Wojcieszek J, Mori A, Sussman NM)  Complete abstract

Istradefylline is an A(2A) adenosine receptor antagonist, and so does not act by directly increasing the activity of dopamine, as do the most effective methods of treating Parkinson's Disease. It has been claimed for years to be a promising method of treating Parkinson's Disease on its own. However, in new clinical trials, when used on its own, it failed to demonstrate any beneficial effect.  By the end of the clinical trial its effects were little different from the use of a placebo. The researchers claim that Istradefylline "is safe and well tolerated". Yet about two thirds of the people using it reported adverse events, despite failing to gain any benefit from it. In three previous clinical trials in 2008, the benefits claimed were minimal, and were accompanied by a range of side effects [1] [2] [3]. Istradefylline is one of a series of recent novel approaches for treating Parkinson's Disease that has been claimed, despite not having a sound scientific basis, to be very promising, yet has failed when clinically tested. For more current news go to Parkinson's Disease News.

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Parkinson's Disease News details all significant new research, news reports, new books, and new resources concerning Parkinson's Disease and those medical disorders that often coincide with Parkinson's Disease. It is compiled from an analysis of  all newly published research, news reports, new clinical trials, all newly published books, and new web sites. A summary and analysis of the new research are provided,  as well as links to the complete abstracts and news reports.