Cleveland Scientists Find New Way to Treat Parkinson's

Scientists at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University just made a discovery that could change how we treat Parkinson's disease, the second most common brain disorder affecting more than 10 million people worldwide.

The research team found that blocking an enzyme called 15-PGDH protects brain cells from damage and improves symptoms in multiple lab models of Parkinson's. What makes this extra exciting is that drugs blocking this enzyme are already being tested in people for other conditions.

Dr. Andrew Pieper and Dr. Sanford Markowitz led the collaborative study, which builds on their previous award-winning work on Alzheimer's disease. Their team tested the approach in three different models of Parkinson's and saw the same protective effects each time.

The enzyme 15-PGDH normally produces harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species that damage brain cells. When researchers blocked this enzyme, either genetically or with drugs, it prevented the brain inflammation, cell death, and movement problems typically seen in Parkinson's disease.

Even better, both human Parkinson's brain tissue and mouse models showed abnormally high levels of 15-PGDH. This means the target is present in actual patients, not just in lab settings.

The drug SW033291, developed by Dr. Markowitz's lab, reached the brain effectively and stayed active for up to six hours. Another similar drug called MF-300 has already completed Phase 1 clinical trials and showed no safety concerns.

The researchers found that blocking 15-PGDH works by reducing three key factors that cause brain cell death. This gives scientists a clear understanding of how the treatment protects the brain.

Why This Inspires

Current Parkinson's treatments only manage symptoms. They don't stop the underlying brain damage that drives the disease forward. This new approach could actually prevent or slow that damage.

The discovery matters even more because these drugs are already in development. Several pharmaceutical and biotech companies are creating 15-PGDH blockers for other medical conditions, which means they could potentially be repurposed for Parkinson's much faster than starting from scratch.

The research also revealed something surprising: the treatment worked without changing the buildup of toxic proteins in the brain. This suggests we might not need to remove these proteins to help patients, just protect the brain from its inflammatory response to them.

Dr. Pieper's team saw the same pattern in their Alzheimer's research. Protecting the brain from its own damage response appears to work across multiple neurodegenerative diseases.

People born with inactive 15-PGDH genes only show one consistent trait: slightly clubbed fingertips. This natural evidence suggests blocking the enzyme long-term is safe.

The findings mean hope for millions of families watching loved ones struggle with Parkinson's, and potential new pathways for treating other brain diseases too.