Deferiprone clinical trial in Parkinson’s
Researchers at Imperial College London are looking for people with Parkinson’s to take part in a highly novel clinical trial examining the effects of an iron chelator drug called Deferiprone.
Iron has long been associated with the neurodegenerative process in Parkinson’s through its ability to trigger the formation of toxic chemicals. Deferiprone is an iron chelators or binder which can neutralise iron and has been shown to remove excess iron from the brain in animal models. Deferiprone has also been shown to protect neurons against damage in animal models of Parkinson’s. Deferiprone is has been used for many years to treat patients with a blood disorder called Beta-thalasaemia where iron accumulate in the body. It is hoped that treatment with Deferiprone may be able to slow the rate of Parkinson’s. This study is designed to confirm whether Deferiprone can remove excess iron levels from the brain, as assessed with MRI brain imaging, and assess whether Deferiprone affects your Parkinson’s symptoms.
Interested in Participating?
This study needs people with Parkinson’s aged between 50 and 75 years old and who have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s for less than 5 years. Participants must be within easy travelling distance of central London since the study will involve several visits to the Hammersmith Hospital site.
What is involved?
Initially you will be asked to attend a screening visit where you be asked to have an MRI brain scan which will measure your brain iron levels, you will be asked to give blood for routine tests and the severity of your Parkinson’s will be assessed.
If you pass the screening visit you will then be invited to join the study which will involve taking the drug Deferiprone or a dummy drug every day for 6 months. During these 6 months you will be asked to attend the Hammersmith Hospital for regular blood tests and assessments of your Parkinson’s. You will be asked to have two further brain MRI scans, one at 3 months and another at 6 months.
We will be recruiting people up until the end of February 2013. All your travel expenses will be refunded.
Imperial College NHS Health Care Trust is funding this project.
What to do next
If you would like some further information contact the researchers directly
Clinical Trials nurse: Christina Kabba
e-mail: [email protected]
OR
Study Director: Professor David Dexter
e-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 0207 5946665