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Parkinson Disease
This information is provided directly by researchers, and we recognise that it isn't always easy to understand. We are working with researchers to improve the accessibility of this information. In some summaries, you may come across links to external websites. These websites will have more information to help you better understand the study.
The aim of this study is to explore the potential of Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to slow down the progression of Parkinson's Disease (PD) in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, "proof of concept" study. The primary objective of the study will be to determine the safety and tolerability of this drug in patients with PD. Participants will be recruited form a cohort of patients who have been diagnosed with PD within the last 3 years and are potentially suitable for this study.
There is strong evidence from previous research and the work carried out by other groups that UDCA rescues the function of the mitochondria (mitochondria are the "powerhouse" of the cell) in PD patient tissue and other models of PD. This suggests that UDCA may slow down the worsening of PD.
UDCA has been in clinical use for the treatment of liver disease (primary biliary cholangitis) for over 30 years. The investigators therefore know that it is safe and well tolerated in patients with liver disease but the investigators don't know yet whether this is also the case in patients with PD. Furthermore, the dose used for patients with liver disease (15 mg/kg) is not high enough for UDCA to get into the brain. The investigators therefore need to double the dose to 30 mg/kg. This higher dose was also safe in clinical trials for liver disease, but is currently not used routinely in clinical practice.
Start dates may differ between countries and research sites. The research team are responsible for keeping the information up-to-date.
The recruitment start and end dates are as follows:
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You can take part if:
You may not be able to take part if:
This is in the inclusion criteria above
Below are the locations for where you can take part in the trial. Please note that not all sites may be open.
The study is sponsored by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and is in collaboration with JP Moulton Charitable Foundation; PRO.MED.CS Praha a.s.; Clinical Trials Research Unit, University of Sheffield.
Your feedback is important to us. It will help us improve the quality of the study information on this site. Please answer both questions.
You can print or share the study information with your GP/healthcare provider or contact the research team directly.
