Shawj1 here: Hello to other members.

My question is on the isradipine research involving trials with PD patients.
Meredith and Surmeier and others at Northwestern University reported that isradipine slowed the disease process and destruction of dopamine producing neurons about a year ago. They also said the next phase was to develop clinical trials in humans.

Who is doing the clinical work in humans? Where can we see how they are progressing and when they might be finished their work?

Are there other scientific papers independently reporting similar results either with mice models or humans?

Who manufactures and sells generic isradipine in North America?

Altho this is a 2007 release, it does have contact info on it for this drug. The researcher is Dr. James Surmeir (sp?) at Northwestern. I spoke to him in October and he was working on dosage and said so far they weren't having the problem of droppng al ready low blood pressure even lower. This press release has his name and a contact
Let us know what you find!

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releas...-nfd060707.php

paula

shawj1

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread26205.html

here is another thread about isradipine. I'm taking it in case it works - but am not in a clinical trial.

jean

I'm just learning to use this site.

Wanted to get an update of your experience with Isradipine.

Thanks

Robert

I was searching for recent info on Isradipine. Also, if anyone has info on Azilect.

I was diagnosed with Parkinson's a few months ago and am currently taking Ropinirole - 2mg 4 times a day.

I have mild hypertension, so I asked my primary care physician to change that medication to Isradipine. I haven't had any side effects from Isradipine, aside from drowsiness for an hour after taking it. I have been taking 2.5mg twice a day for just over a week, but haven't noticed any difference in Parkinson's symptoms. However, I feel if I have to take blood pressure medicine, I may as well take something that may help the old dopamine cells.


Being interested in anything that slows degeneration, I am curious about Azilect. Any input will be appreciated.

Also, any down side to taking these multiple drugs - Ropinirole, Isradipine & Azilect..?

I go to Northwestern for my PD and have participated in numerous trials. My doctor is Dr. Simuni and she was running the trial at NW. I was supposed to be in the Isradipine trial but I suddenly got high blood pressure from Effexor and had to take BP pills. I think that phase 1 wanted new PD patients who are not yet medicated. I don't know about phase 2. I have an appointment in March and was planning to ask about it. They have expanded the trial to other centers. Franny

I appreciate the info, Franny.

Snce I started taking Isradipine, I haven't had any side effects, other than sleepiness. I'm not sure if it's helping with PD, but it works for my blood pressure - and I like to think it is extending the time between increases of Ropinirole dosages.

Good luck with everything.