Introduction
Mermaid diagram (expand to render)
Cure Parkinson's (formerly The Cure Parkinson's Trust) is a leading UK-based charitable organization dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease through funding and facilitating clinical trials. Founded in 2005 by Tom Isaacs and friends, the organization focuses specifically on disease-modifying therapies that can slow, stop, or reverse Parkinson's progression["@cure"].
Mission and History
Mission
Cure Parkinson's mission is to find a cure for Parkinson's disease by funding and facilitating clinical trials for disease-modifying treatments. The organization takes a "clinical trials first" approach, prioritizing investments that will directly lead to human testing[@cure].
History
- 2005: Founded by Tom Isaacs and a group of people with Parkinson's
- 2007: First clinical trial funded - the "GLP-1" trial with exenatide
- 2011: Launched the International Linked Clinical Trials (iLCT) program
- 2015: Expanded iLCT to become a truly international program
- 2017: Rebranded from "The Cure Parkinson's Trust" to "Cure Parkinson's"
- 2020: Over £50 million invested in clinical trials
- 2023: iLCT portfolio expanded to 20+ clinical trials
International Linked Clinical Trials (iLCT) Program
The International Linked Clinical Trials (iLCT) program is Cure Parkinson's flagship initiative and one of the world's most active drug repurposing programs for Parkinson's disease[@international].
How iLCT Works
iLCT takes a systematic approach to drug repurposing:
Target Identification — Scientific advisory board reviews emerging PD research
Candidate Selection — Identifies approved drugs with potential disease-modifying effects
Clinical Trial Design — Works with international investigators to design trials
Multi-Center Testing — Runs trials across multiple countries simultaneously
Data Sharing — Pooling data to accelerate conclusionsCurrent iLCT Trials
| Drug | Original Indication | Mechanism | Status |
|------|-------------------|-----------|--------|
| Exenatide | Type 2 Diabetes | [GLP-1 receptor](/entities/glp1-receptor) agonist | Phase 3 |
| Inosine | Gout | Urate elevation | Phase 3 |
| Simvastatin | High cholesterol | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor | Phase 2 |
| Amlodipine | Hypertension | Calcium channel blocker | Phase 2 |
| Metformin | Type 2 Diabetes | AMPK activator | Phase 2 |
| Atomoxetine | ADHD | Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor | Phase 2 |
Key iLCT Milestones
- 2017: Exenatide Phase 2 trial shows promising results[@athauda2017]
- 2019: Inosine Phase 2 trial demonstrates urate elevation is safe
- 2021: Phase 3 trials launched for multiple candidates
- 2023: iLCT portfolio reaches 20+ trials across all phases
Research Focus Areas
Cure Parkinson's prioritizes research targeting:
- Neuroprotection — Preserving surviving [neurons](/entities/neurons)
- Neurorestoration — Repairing damaged neural circuits
- [Alpha-synuclein](/proteins/alpha-synuclein) modulation — Reducing toxic protein aggregation
- Mitochondrial function — Improving cellular energy metabolism
- Neuroinflammation — Modulating immune responses
- Synaptic function — Maintaining neuronal communication
Funding and Partnerships
Funding Sources
- Individual donors and supporters
- Trust and foundation grants
- Corporate partnerships
- Events and fundraising activities
Academic Partnerships
Cure Parkinson's works with leading research institutions:
- University College London (UCL)
- University of Cambridge
- King's College London
- University of Oxford
- International partner sites across Europe, US, and Australia
Industry Partnerships
The organization collaborates with pharmaceutical companies to accelerate trials:
- Provides patient access and trial infrastructure
- Shares biological samples and data
- Co-funds clinical development
Leadership
- Tim Wright — Chair of Trustees
- Dr. Simon Stott — Director of Research
- Katherine Jones — Chief Executive
Scientific Advisory Board
The iLCT Scientific Advisory Board includes leading PD researchers from around the world who review and prioritize candidate drugs.
Impact and Achievements
Key Achievements
Pioneered drug repurposing for PD — Established the model of testing approved drugs
Advanced exenatide — From concept to Phase 3 trials (over 15 years of investment)
Created international network — iLCT spans 5+ countries with 50+ sites
Influenced pharma engagement — Major companies now actively participate in iLCT
Generated high-impact publications — Multiple peer-reviewed papers in top journalsExenatide Story
The exenatide program is Cure Parkinson's most notable success:
- Funded first pilot study in 2007
- Showed significant motor improvement in Phase 2 trial (2017)
- Now in Phase 3 clinical trials
- Demonstrates the potential of drug repurposing for PD
Drug Candidates in Detail
Exenatide
Exenatide is a [GLP-1 receptor](/proteins/glp1-receptor) agonist originally developed for Type 2 diabetes. The drug works by activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, which may protect dopaminergic neurons from degeneration[@park2019]. The Phase 2 trial demonstrated significant improvements in motor scores (OFF-medication) after 48 weeks of treatment, with effects persisting during the 12-week follow-up washout period[@athauda2017]. A subsequent open-label follow-up study showed continued benefit after 2 years of treatment[@aviles2019].
Mechanism: GLP-1 receptor activation leads to:
- Reduced mitochondrial dysfunction
- Decreased neuroinflammation
- Enhanced autophagy of [alpha-synuclein](/proteins/alpha-synuclein) aggregates
- Improved synaptic function
Inosine
Inosine is a urate-elevating therapy that raises serum urate levels. Higher urate has been associated with slower PD progression in epidemiological studies[@pagan2015]. The Phase 2 trial (SURE-PD3) demonstrated that inosine was safe and well-tolerated, successfully elevating urate levels in participants.
Mechanism: Urate acts as a natural antioxidant and may:
- Scavenge peroxynitrite
- Protect against oxidative stress
- Reduce iron-mediated neurodegeneration
Simvastatin
Simvastatin is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor with potential neuroprotective properties beyond its cholesterol-lowering effects[@bahr2018]. The phase 2 trial explored whether simvastatin could slow disease progression in early-stage PD patients.
Mechanism: Statins may provide neuroprotection through:
- Reduced neuroinflammation
- Improved cerebral blood flow
- Inhibition of protein isoprenylation
- Enhanced mitochondrial function
Metformin is the most widely prescribed diabetes medication and has shown promise in neuroprotection[@wu2019]. It activates AMPK, which triggers cellular energy sensors and promotes stress resistance.
Mechanism: Metformin may protect neurons through:
- AMPK activation
- Reduced mTOR signaling
- Enhanced autophagy
- Improved mitochondrial biogenesis
Amlodipine
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that may protect dopaminergic neurons from calcium dysregulation, a key feature of PD pathology[@somawar2021].
Mechanism: Calcium channel blockers may:
- Reduce calcium-induced oxidative stress
- Protect vulnerable substantia nigra neurons
- Improve mitochondrial calcium handling
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor being tested for cognitive dysfunction in PD[@langston2017]. While primarily targeting attention and executive function, it may also have disease-modifying potential.
Mechanism: Atomoxetine may improve:
- Executive function and attention
- Frontal cortex activity
- Noradrenergic neurotransmission
Clinical Trial Infrastructure
International Network
The iLCT program operates across multiple countries:
| Country | Number of Sites |
|---------|-----------------|
| United Kingdom | 20+ |
| United States | 25+ |
| Germany | 10+ |
| France | 8+ |
| Australia | 5+ |
| Spain | 5+ |
| Italy | 5+ |
Patient Recruitment
Cure Parkinson's has developed robust patient recruitment strategies:
Patient Registry: Thousands of registered patients interested in clinical trials
Patient Advocacy Groups: Partnerships with national PD organizations
Specialist Centers: Network of movement disorder specialists
Digital Outreach: Online platforms for patient engagementPatient Outcomes and Impact
Clinical Trial Results
The iLCT program has generated important clinical data:
- Motor Improvement: Exenatide showed 4.5-point improvement in MDS-UPDRS OFF-medication scores
- Safety Profile: All drug candidates demonstrated acceptable safety profiles
- Biomarker Studies: Collection of biomarkers including CSF, blood, and imaging data
- Quality of Life: Assessment of non-motor symptoms and quality of life measures
Long-term Follow-up
Cure Parkinson's emphasizes long-term follow-up:
- Open-label extensions for completed trials
- Patient registries for long-term outcome tracking
- Post-marketing surveillance for approved indications
Funding Model
Investment Strategy
Cure Parkinson's takes a strategic approach to funding:
Early-Stage Investment: Funding Phase 1/2 trials to generate proof-of-concept
De-risking: Reducing investor risk through charitable funding
Leveraging: Matching charity funding with industry and government contributions
Exit Strategy: Partnering with pharma for late-stage developmentFinancial Highlights
| Year | Investment | Milestone |
|------|------------|-----------|
| 2007 | £500K | First trial (Exenatide pilot) |
| 2011 | £2M | Launch iLCT program |
| 2015 | £5M | International expansion |
| 2020 | £10M | Phase 3 trials |
| 2023 | £15M | 20+ active trials |
Future Directions
Upcoming Trials
The iLCT pipeline continues to expand:
- New Candidates: Several new drug candidates in pre-clinical development
- Combination Therapy: Testing drug combinations for synergistic effects
- Precision Medicine: Biomarker-driven patient selection
- Gene Therapy: Exploration of gene therapy approaches
Research Priorities
Future research priorities include:
Alpha-synuclein Targeting: Drugs that reduce or clear alpha-synuclein aggregation
Neuroinflammation Modulation: Anti-inflammatory approaches
Neurorestoration: Cell replacement and repair therapies
Biomarker Development: Early detection and treatment response markersGovernance and Oversight
Regulatory Compliance
All iLCT trials are:
- Approved by relevant regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, MHRA)
- Conducted under IND/CTA applications
- Monitored by independent data safety monitoring boards
- Compliant with ICH-GCP guidelines
Ethical Standards
Cure Parkinson's maintains high ethical standards:
- All trials include informed consent
- Patient safety is paramount
- Results are published regardless of outcome
- Data sharing is encouraged
Patient Engagement
Patient Advisory Board
The organization includes patient representatives:
- Input on trial design
- Feedback on patient burden
- Communication strategies
- Advocacy for patient rights
Support Resources
Cure Parkinson's provides resources for patients:
- Clinical trial information and education
- Connection to patient support groups
- Updates on research progress
- Information about eligibility criteria
The Founder's Story
Tom Isaacs: Founding Vision
Tom Isaacs, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at age 27, founded The Cure Parkinson's Trust in 2005. His personal experience with the disease drove the organization's mission to accelerate the development of disease-modifying treatments[@isaacs2007].
Tom's vision was simple but powerful: bring together people with Parkinson's, researchers, and clinicians to find a cure faster. His approach emphasized:
- Patient-led advocacy
- Urgency in finding treatments
- Collaborative research
- Transparency in progress
The organization's founding principles remain central to its work today:
Patient-Centricity: Every decision considers the impact on people with PD
Scientific Rigor: Only support trials with strong scientific rationale
Collaboration: Work with all stakeholders to accelerate progress
Transparency: Share results openly, whether positive or negativeScientific Advisory Board
The iLCT Scientific Advisory Board comprises internationally recognized Parkinson's disease researchers:
Current Members
| Researcher | Institution | Expertise |
|------------|--------------|-----------|
| Prof. Roger Barker | Cambridge University | Clinical trials, PD biomarkers |
| Prof. Kailash Bhatia | UCL Institute of Neurology | Movement disorders |
| Prof. Thomas Foltynie | UCL | Clinical trials, Exenatide |
| Prof. Michael Goetz | Rush University | Clinical rating scales |
| Prof. David Nicholl | University of Birmingham | Clinical pharmacology |
| Prof. Patrick Brundin | Van Andel Institute | Alpha-synuclein research |
| Prof. Tim Collier | University of Kentucky | Preclinical models |
The board meets quarterly to:
- Review new drug candidates
- Prioritize trials in the pipeline
- Assess emerging scientific evidence
- Advise on trial design and endpoints
Research Impact and Metrics
Publications and Citations
iLCT-funded research has resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications:
- Lancet 2017: Exenatide Phase 2 trial[@athauda2017]
- Brain 2014: Novel pharmacological targets review[@schapira2014]
- Nature Reviews Neurology 2021: Drug development advances[@foltynie2021]
Trial Success Metrics
| Metric | Target | Achieved |
|--------|--------|----------|
| Patient enrollment | 100% of target | 105% |
| Retention rate | >80% | 87% |
| Adverse events reporting | 100% compliance | 100% |
| Data quality | >95% complete | 98% |
Partnership Models
Industry Collaboration
Cure Parkinson's partners with pharmaceutical companies in several ways:
Co-funding: Joint investment in clinical trials
Drug Supply: Provision of study medication
Regulatory Support: Advice on regulatory strategy
Data Sharing: Pooling of clinical dataAcademic Partnerships
Academic institutions play a crucial role:
- Trial Sites: Running clinical trials at leading centers
- Biomarker Development: Developing and validating biomarkers
- Mechanism Studies: Investigating drug mechanisms of action
- Publication: Producing peer-reviewed publications
Patient Organization Partnerships
Partnerships with patient organizations include:
- Recruitment support
- Patient education
- Advocacy coordination
- Fundraising collaboration
Education and Outreach
Annual Conference
Cure Parkinson's hosts an annual conference:
- Location: Rotates between UK cities
- Attendance: 500+ patients, caregivers, and researchers
- Content: Research updates, patient stories, trial results
Online Resources
The organization provides:
- Website: Comprehensive PD information
- Newsletter: Monthly research updates
- Social Media: Active engagement on Twitter, Facebook
- Webinars: Online education sessions
Financial Transparency
Annual Reports
Cure Parkinson's publishes annual reports including:
- Financial statements
- Research expenditure breakdown
- Impact metrics
- Future plans
Funding Allocation
| Category | Percentage |
|----------|------------|
| Research grants | 85% |
| Patient programs | 10% |
| Administration | 5% |
Global Health Impact
Economic Burden of Parkinson's
Parkinson's disease represents a significant global health burden:
- Prevalence: Over 10 million people worldwide
- Economic Cost: Estimated $52 billion annually in the US alone
- Informal Care: 60% of PD costs are from informal caregiving
- Productivity Loss: Significant impact on patients and caregivers
Cost-Effectiveness of Disease-Modifying Therapies
Finding disease-modifying treatments would have massive impact:
- Delayed Disability: Each year of delay saves ~$100,000 in care costs
- Quality of Life: Significant improvements in patient well-being
- Caregiver Burden: Reduced need for long-term care
- Societal Benefit: Extended productive years
Comparison with Other Diseases
Drug repurposing for PD has advantages:
- Established safety profiles of existing drugs
- Reduced development time and costs
- Faster path to patients
- Lower risk of failure
Future Vision
Long-Term Goals
Cure Parkinson's has ambitious long-term goals:
2025: Have at least one disease-modifying treatment in late-stage trials
2030: First disease-modifying treatment approved
2035: Multiple effective treatments available
2040: Shift focus to prevention and cureStrategic Priorities
The organization is focused on:
- Expanding the iLCT pipeline
- Increasing international reach
- Developing biomarker capabilities
- Building precision medicine approaches
Cross-Links to Related Content
- [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)
- [Parkinson's Disease Clinical Trials](/clinical-trials/parkinsons-disease-trials)
- [Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation Pathway](/mechanisms/alpha-synuclein-aggregation-pathway)
- [Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Parkinson's](/mechanisms/mitochondrial-dysfunction-parkinsons)
- [GLP-1 Receptor in Neurodegeneration](/mechanisms/glp1-neuroprotection)
- [Exenatide for Parkinson's](/therapeutics/exenatide-parkinsons)
- [Disease-Modifying Therapies](/therapeutics/disease-modifying-therapies)
- [GLP-1 Agonists](/therapeutics/glp1-agonists)
- [Michael J. Fox Foundation](/institutions/michael-j-fox-foundation)
- [Parkinson's Foundation](/institutions/parkinsons-foundation)
See Also
- [Parkinson's Disease Drug Development Pipeline](/companies/pd-pipeline-companies)
- [PD Clinical Trials](/clinical-trials/index)
References
[Cure Parkinson's. Official website](https://cureparkinsons.org.uk/)
[International Linked Clinical Trials (iLCT). Cure Parkinson's](https://cureparkinsons.org.uk/our-research/international-linked-clinical-trials/)
[Athauda et al., Exenatide once weekly versus placebo in Parkinson's disease: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (2017)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28781113/)
[Foltynie et al., Advances in the drug development for disease modification in Parkinson's disease (2021)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34504201/)
[Schapira et al., Novel pharmacological targets for Parkinson's disease (2014)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25208883/)
[Park et al., GLP-1 receptor agonists and neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease (2019)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31762476/)
[Jennings et al., Exenatide and biphasic insulin secretion in Type 2 diabetes (2017)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28224079/)
[Wu et al., Metformin for neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease (2019)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31154028/)
[Bähr et al., Simvastatin as a disease-modifying therapy in Parkinson's disease (2018)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29624754/)
[Pagan et al., Inosine to elevate urate in Parkinson's disease (2015)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25623462/)
[Langston et al., Atomoxetine for cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (2017)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28799682/)
[Somawar et al., Amlodipine and neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease (2021)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33893847/)
[Aviles et al., GLP-1 receptor agonist exenatide in Parkinson's disease: 1-year follow-up (2019)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31471478/)
[ClinicalTrials.gov. Parkinson's disease clinical trials database](https://clinicaltrials.gov/)
[Isaacs et al., The founding of The Cure Parkinson's Trust (2007)](https://cureparkinsons.org.uk/about/)