Russian scientists make progress in developing an innovative gene therapy for Parkinson’s disease

Tatiana Golikova, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, announced that the Center for Genetic Reprogramming and Gene Therapy has developed a drug to treat Parkinson’s disease, and that preclinical trials are expected to begin soon.

According to local media, she noted that research has been conducted to develop effective and safe treatments in the field of gene therapy, including innovative approaches to treating spinal muscular atrophy.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with aging. It is characterized by impaired movement and cognitive changes, and results from damage to nerve cells responsible for producing dopamine.

The World Parkinson Foundation indicates that around 30,000 new cases are diagnosed worldwide each year, and predicts that the number of people affected could reach between 12 and 15 million by 2040.