parkinson's disease

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative brain condition characterized by movement disorders and other symptoms.

It occurs when certain cells (neurons) in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra die or become impaired. Normally, these cells produce a vital chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine allows smooth, coordinated function of the body’s muscles and movement. When approximately 80% of the dopamine producing cells are damaged, the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease appear.

In the United States, it is estimated that 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, joining the 1.5 million Americans who currently have Parkinson’s disease. While the condition usually develops after the age of 65, 15% of those diagnosed are under 50. Parkinson’s disease affects both men and women in almost equal numbers.

There are a number of effective medicines that help to ease the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. As most symptoms are caused by lack of dopamine, the medicines most commonly used attempt to either replace or mimic dopamine. They can improve the tremor, rigidity and slowness associated with Parkinson’s disease. Currently, no marketed products slow the disease progression.

Parkinson’s disease had worldwide sales of around $2.5 billion in 2005, which analysts forecast could grow to $3.8 billion by 2010. Parkinson’s represents one of the fastest growing diseases, due to the ageing population.

mGluRs & parkinson's disease
ADX48621 in parkinson's disease
mGluR4 PAM in parkinson's disease