[olsen]

From respiratory remedy to neuroprotection

...The trial is based at Royal Free Hospital in London and focuses on ambroxol, which is typically used to treat respiratory conditions. Earlier work conducted by the trial's principal investigator Anthony Schapira, M.D., D.Sc., demonstrated that ambroxol improves the function of a protein that plays a key role in cellular "trash removal" processes. Recent evidence suggests that impairment of these processes are linked to neurodegenerative disease onset and progression. Additionally, mutations in the gene that encode this protein are considered to be the greatest genetic risk factor for developing Parkinson's.

"Our preclinical work suggests ambroxol may be an effective Parkinson's treatment thanks to its ability to correct a dysfunctional protein that is prevalent in people carrying a genetic mutation associated with inherited Parkinson's cases," Schapira said. "What is particularly interesting is the potential for ambroxol also to benefit Parkinson's patients without these genetic mutations."...

http://medicalxpress.com/news/2016-0...cal-trial.html