Breakthrough in fight against Parkinson's as scientists find Ozempic-like ... trends now
A simple once-a-day diabetes jab could help to slow the progression of Parkinson's symptoms.
In what has been hailed a 'significant step forward' for treatment of the disease, a trial found lixisenatide reduced worsening of tremors and slowness of movement.
Known under the brand name Lyxumia, scientists believe it may have a protective effect on the brain, helping to slow damage caused by the disease.
The study involved 156 people who had been recently diagnosed with Parkinson's.
In what has been hailed a 'significant step forward' for treatment of the disease, a trial found lixisenatide reduced worsening of tremors and slowness of movement. Known under the brand name Lyxumia (pictured), scientists believe it may have a protective effect on the brain, helping to slow damage caused by the disease
Weight loss jabs like Wegovy and Ozempic, which both contain semaglutide, work by triggering the body to produce a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 that is released naturally from the intestines after meals
Half were given daily injections of the licensed diabetes drug and the other given a placebo alongside their usual medication.
After 12 months, the progression of motor symptoms in those receiving the lixisenatide treatment slowed and even showed slight signs of improvement, while those in the other group continued to progress.
Charities said the findings were 'extremely positive' and would give real hope to the 18,000 patients a year diagnosed in the UK.
Dr Richard Wyse, director of clinical development at Cure Parkinson's, said: 'I am thrilled to see the extremely positive, groundbreaking clinical outcome of the lixisenatide trial, which could have real meaning for people living with Parkinson's.'
The drug belongs to a group of medicines called GLP-1R agonists including Wegovy and Ozempic, which have gained global attention for their weight-loss properties.
They work by mimicking the action of a natural gut hormone that is produced after eating food, stimulating insulin release from the pancreas, which helps cells in the body to absorb glucose that is eventually turned into energy.
Traditionally a type 2 diabetes medication, scientists repurposed the drug based on known links between the conditions.
Previous research has found diabetics are around 40 per cent more
