Carnosic acid as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s

Carnosic acid is a compound found in rosemary and sage that is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Although there has been some research to suggest that carnosic acid is neuroprotective, additional evidence of how it performs in specific models of Parkinson’s is needed before it is ready for clinical trial.

Dr Sinéad O’Sullivan at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) is leading a preclinical study to gather this evidence and shared some of the initial findings from the study and the next steps at our meeting.

Targeting inflammation in Parkinson’s: phase 2 trials of azathioprine and dapansutrile

At the meeting, Dr Caroline Williams-Gray presented on the results of the phase 2 clinical trial of azathioprine – an immunosuppressive medication. Led by Dr Williams-Gray at the University of Cambridge, the trial (called AZA-PD) involved 66 people with Parkinson’s taking azathioprine or a placebo (dummy drug) for 12 months. The aim was to assess whether azathioprine can “correct” the Parkinson’s immune profile and slow progression by suppressing immune activity in the brain and body. Although the trial did not meet its primary endpoint, many participants showed some improvement in motor symptoms and certain sub-groups, including women, had a stronger response to the treatment. Additionally, AZA-PD laid the groundwork for the ongoing phase 2 trial of the novel anti-inflammatory drug dapansutrile, called DAPA-PD.

Panel Discussion: Research bias in clinical trials – why diversity and inclusion matters

Chaired by Dr Caroline Williams-Gray, this panel discussed the importance of considering diversity when conducting research. Joined by Richelle Flanagan, Jagdeep Aujla, and Dr Julia Greenland, this session explored how factors like gender and ethnicity can affect patient responses, how researchers consider diversity when planning clinical trials, and how we can improve representation through the lens of both researchers and people with Parkinson’s.

The meeting also featured an update from our Director of Research, Dr Simon Stott. To watch all the presentations, please visit our event webpage.

Combination therapies – therapies involving two or more active treatments to achieve a desired effect – represent the third pillar of our research strategy and is an area we are keen to champion. As a first step towards this, Cure Parkinson’s launched a £2 million funding call, accepting both clinical and preclinical applications.

What is the process for choosing which projects to fund?

This was a two-stage application process, meaning that researchers first needed to submit an expression of interest proposing or pitching their idea for the study. The Cure Parkinson’s research team, along with the chair of the independent evaluation panel, Professor Fiona Ducotterd, evaluated each application based on a number of criteria including: whether they were within our funding remit, had a strong scientific rationale, their requested budget, and how they had or planned to involve people with Parkinson’s.

Applicants whose proposals met this criteria were then invited to submit a full application. Once received, the applications were sent for external peer review, a process in which other scientists external to the Cure Parkinson’s funding process review the applications and provide feedback. Each application is reviewed by at least two researchers and clinical trials must also be evaluated by a person with Parkinson’s.

It is only after all this that the applications can be reviewed by an expert evaluation panel, comprised of scientists, clinicians, industry representatives and people with Parkinson’s. Here, each application is presented, discussed, and ranked. This is a more thorough evaluation with added considerations like diversity, project structure, and potential impact. Once completed, projects can then be recommended for funding to our board of trustees.

Learn more about the evaluation panel for this grant call on our website. With the panel meeting for this call having occurred in April, we look forward to sharing the outcomes later this year.

The Tom Isaacs Award was created in honour of Cure Parkinson’s late co-founder and president. Tom believed in the power of collaboration, in the urgency of research, and in the importance of ensuring that people living with Parkinson’s were not just the subjects of research, they were partners in it.

Tom firmly believed that progress happens best when people work together openly and collaboratively - “no decision about us, without us.” He challenged researchers and institutions to work alongside people living with Parkinson’s, listening to their experiences, valuing their insight, and involving them meaningfully in the search for better treatments and ultimately, a cure.

And it’s Tom’s vision and spirit that sit at the heart of this award.

Since its inception in 2018, we have been privileged to celebrate researchers whose work not only advances our understanding of Parkinson’s, but also demonstrates strong collaboration with the Parkinson’s community. Whether through improving access to research, co-designing studies or ensuring lived experience shapes decision-making, our award winners embody the kind of partnership Tom stood for and relentlessly championed.

We are looking for nominations that centre lived experience, demonstrate genuine partnership, and clearly show how research can make a meaningful difference to people’s lives. If you think you know a researcher who is deserving of this award, nominations are now open.

The Tom Isaacs Award is more than recognition of outstanding research. It is acknowledgement that the best research happens when people come together - with shared purpose, mutual respect, and hope for a better future.