Nilotinib could be a safe and effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease

Results from a clinical trial conducted at Georgetown University Medical Center (WA, USA) have revealed that Tasigna® (nilotinib), a drug typically used for cancer treatment, is reasonably safe and well tolerated by patients with Parkinson’s disease. The study, published in JAMA Neurology, follows previous research indicating that the drug acts by allowing dopamine replenishment in the brain, and suggests nilotinib potentially halts motor and non-motor decline. Earlier investigations into the molecular properties of nilotinib have demonstrated that a single low dose of the drug can reduce levels of a toxic protein that prevents dopamine from being released in areas of...