Recent research assessed the differences in Parkinson’s disease progression between research populations and real-world data. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and body parts controlled by the nerves.
Illness-modifying treatments haven’t been successful for Parkinson’s, with some therapies that have shown promise in trials failing at later stages.
The primary challenge to developing illness-modifying treatments for this particular condition is the fact that molecular processes that drive pathogenesis haven’t been understood properly. Additionally, diverse ages on the condition’s onset and different progression patterns indicate heterogeneity.
For their research, the scientists used Harvard Biomarkers studies and Fox Insight longitudinal health as their research population datasets. Cohorts under these datasets comprised 36,660 and 935 participants, respectively
Data from the real world included electronic medical records from Mass General Brigham and Optum Claims. Cohorts under these datasets were made up of 22,949 and 157,475 individuals respectively.
The progression of Parkinson’s was assessed using common scales such as Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y), unified PD rating scale (UPDRS), Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) and the mini-mental-state examination (MMSE). These measures were compared between Mass General Brigham and Harvard Biomarkers studies by differentiating patients based on the time from initial diagnosis.
Researchers determined that real-world populations had a higher age at Parkinson’s diagnosis in comparison to the research populations, namely 72.2 years to 60.4 years. They also found that in the first five years, MMSE scores were considerably higher in Harvard Biomarkers than Mass General Brigham.
The scientists then evaluated survival against significant clinical events such as depression, H&Y stage 3, levodopa initiation, dyskinesias and discharge to long-term care. They discovered that research populations, especially the cohort under Fox Insight, started their medications considerably earlier than the other cohorts. Individuals in the Mass General cohort started their Parkinson’s medications later, with scientists observing an overlap in levodopa initiation in the research populations.
They also observed that in comparison to the Mass General Brigham cohort, the Optum cohort demonstrated significantly higher and earlier incidence of depression, fractures and falls. Additionally, in comparison to research populations, real-world populations met the cognitive decline definition much sooner following diagnosis. In their report, the scientists defined cognitive decline as a mild cognitive impairment diagnosis.
In their conclusion, the team highlighted that its findings provided detailed insights into how Parkinson’s progressed in different populations. The research findings were published in the “Nature” journal. Researchers included Brett K. Beaulieu-Jones, Sylvie Bozzi, Francesca Frau, M. Judith Peterschmitt, Caroline Cohen, Karen J. Chandross, Dinesh Kumar, Catherine Coulovrat, Scott L. Lipnick, Isaac S. Kohane, Mark J. Kruger, Lane Fitzsimmons and Clemens R. Scherzer.
Entities such as Clene Inc. (NASDAQ: CLNN) are also devoting research dollars to finding better treatments for Parkinson’s disease. The future promises to be better for patients because there are hopes that the treatment options available to them will increase.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Clene Inc. (NASDAQ: CLNN) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/CLNN
About BioMedWire
BioMedWire (“BMW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on the latest developments in the Biotechnology (BioTech), Biomedical Sciences (BioMed) and Life Sciences sectors. It is one of 60+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, BMW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, BMW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness.
BMW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.
To receive SMS alerts from BioMedWire, “Biotech” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)
For more information, please visit https://www.BioMedWire.com
Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the BioMedWire website applicable to all content provided by BMW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.BioMedWire.com/Disclaimer
BioMedWire
San Francisco, CA
www.BioMedWire.com
415.949.5050 Office
Editor@BioMedWire.com
BioMedWire is powered by IBN
