Unmet Need
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease characterized by a gradual loss of all motor function. Currently, no diagnostic test exists for PD. Nevertheless, the early diagnosis of PD is critical for successful disease management as pharmacological treatments like levodopa are most effective when administered at the earliest stages of PD.
Technology Overview
Hopkins researchers have developed an assay for the detection of poly(ADP-ribose) or PAR that may effectively diagnose Parkinson’s disease. A three-year long study involving over one hundred individuals found that PAR concentration was a significant predictor of disease status.
Stage of Development
Researchers intend to validate these findings with follow up studies and additional testing in new cohorts of patients.
Publications
Poly(ADP-ribose) drives pathologic α-synuclein neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease (science.org)
