In a groundbreaking advancement, researchers at Huashan Hospital, affiliated with Fudan University in Shanghai, have identified FAM171A2 as a new therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease. Published in the journal Science on Friday, this discovery marks the first of its kind globally.
Led by Yu Jintai, deputy head of Huashan Hospital's neurology department, the team has also developed a candidate drug aimed at slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease. This significant milestone comes after five years of dedicated research and collaboration with the National Center for Neurological Diseases and the National Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Brain Diseases.
Parkinson's disease, the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's, severely impacts daily living for millions worldwide. Current treatments primarily address symptoms without halting disease advancement. This new discovery offers hope for more effective interventions that could alter the disease's trajectory.
Experts believe that targeting FAM171A2 could pave the way for innovative therapies, potentially transforming the landscape of Parkinson's treatment and improving the quality of life for patients globally.
Reference(s):
Chinese researchers find new target to treat Parkinson's disease
cgtn.com
