CLR01 CLAIMED TO SLOW PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Neurotherapeutics  [2012] Feb 29 [Epub ahead of print] (Prabhudesai S, Sinha S, Attar A, Kotagiri A, Fitzmaurice AG, Lakshmanan R, Ivanova MI, Loo JA, Klärner FG, Schrader T, Stahl M, Bitan G, Bronstein JM.) Complete abstract

Aggregation of α-synuclein in the cells involved in Parkinson's Disease is claimed as being causative in Parkinson's Disease, multiple system atrophy, and dementia with Lewy bodies. A novel "molecular tweezer" termed CLR01 has been described as a potent inhibitor of α-synuclein by preventing it from being formed. In cell cultures CLR01 was shown to greatly lessen α-synuclein. 

To determine whether CLR01 was also protective in animals, the researchers used a zebrafish, which is a type of fish commonly used in Parkinson's Disease research because it is easily manipulated genetically, and because some of its biochemistry is similar to that in humans.  CLR01 significantly improved zebrafish survival, suppressed the aggregation of α-synuclein, and also reduced cell death caused by α-synuclein. This occurred without evidence of toxicity. The authors consequently claimed that CLR01 stopped the progression of Parkinson's Disease in an animal model, and is therefore a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease.