A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that a diabetes drug, lixisenatide, slowed the progression of motor issues in early-stage Parkinson’s disease patients.
The drug, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, is known for its potential neuroprotective effects. Patients on the drug showed no worsening of movement symptoms compared to those on placebo after one year, although the effect was modest and primarily noticeable in professional assessments.
Gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and vomiting were common, and further studies are needed to confirm safety and efficacy before widespread use. Other experts noted the need for replication studies and age-specific analyses to better understand the drug’s effectiveness.