Isradipine Shows No Benefit for Parkinson's Disease

A study of the blood pressure drug isradipine does not show benefit for people with Parkinson’s disease, according to findings that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting, May 4-10 in Philadelphia, PA.

The phase 3 study involved 336 people with early Parkinson’s disease at 54 sites in the US and Canada. Half of the participants received 10mg of isradipine every day for 3 years, and the other half received placebo. 

The drug had shown promise in small, early studies and using it to treat high blood pressure was associated with a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

“Unfortunately, the people who were taking isradipine did not have any difference in their Parkinson’s symptoms over the 3 years of the study compared to the people who took a placebo,” said Tanya Simuni, MD, of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “Of course, this is disappointing news for everyone with Parkinson’s disease and their families, as well as the research community. However, negative results are important because they provide a clear answer, especially for the drug that is commercially available. We will all continue to work to find a treatment that can slow down or even cure this disease.”