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The Spark #4: Apathy, Falls, Dyskinesia, and HER-096 hits the brain

By S —

Three new drugs showing real promise (apathy, falls, dyskinesia), HER-096 hits the brain safely and tees up a potential disease-modifier, and a fresh paper hints at a new metabolic target (TAL1). Plus: meet Jules King, proof that grit can rewrite the script.

The brief

Fresh sparks from the world of Parkinson’s:

  • Irlab Therapeutics is advancing three experimental Parkinson’s drugs aimed at symptoms often left untreated by standard therapies. IRL757, an oral drug for apathy, has shown strong safety results and will enter a Phase 1b trial this year. Pirepemat, designed to prevent falls by improving nerve signaling in the brain’s prefrontal cortex, reduced fall rates by 51% in a Phase 2b trial. Meanwhile, Mesdopetam, targeting levodopa-induced dyskinesia by blocking dopamine D3 receptors, has gained a new Chinese patent extending market exclusivity into the 2040s and is preparing for Phase 3.
  • A new study found that more than half of people with Parkinson’s disease take supplements such as vitamin D, fish oil, or magnesium, yet fewer than half tell their doctors. A concerning gap since these can interact with Parkinson’s medications. Don't be one of those and tell your doctor.
  • The Parkinson’s Plan, by Dr. Ray Dorsey and Dr. Michael Okun blends decades of research and clinical experience into a practical roadmap to understand the causes, reduce risk, and push for smarter care and policy. As the authors put it, Parkinson’s isn’t just rising, it’s doubling, but it doesn’t have to (no sponsored mention)
  • HER-096, a new Parkinson’s drug designed to mimic the protective effects of the growth factor CDNF, has delivered encouraging phase 1 results: it was safe, well tolerated, and, most importantly, reached the brain at levels that could protect or even repair dopamine neurons. The trial included healthy volunteers and people with Parkinson’s, showing stable symptoms over four weeks (it wasn’t meant to measure efficacy). A more detailed analysis is expected by the end of 2025, and phase 2 trials are planned for 2026 to test whether HER-096 can actually slow disease progression.

Paper Under Review

Transaldolase 1 impacts Parkinson’s disease pathogenesis via metabolic reprogramming and autophagy-lysosomal pathway
A new study reveals that Transaldolase 1 (TAL1), plays a major role in Parkinson’s disease by disrupting energy metabolism and the cell’s waste-clearing system. Researchers found that blocking TAL1 restored the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, improved neuron survival, and even enhanced motor function in Parkinson’s mouse models. The results suggest that targeting TAL1 could become a novel therapeutic strategy to slow or reverse Parkinson’s progression by reprogramming metabolism and boosting the brain’s natural cleanup processes.

The Human Spark

Meet Jules King. After 16 years undiagnosed and a decade in a wheelchair, Jules King refused to let Parkinson’s define her. She walked into CrossFit Pembrokeshire and rebuilt her strength, independence, and confidence. She is such a reference. See her on action!

Spark tip

Don’t rush the person. People with Parkinson’s often need a few extra seconds to start moving, speaking, or reacting. Giving them that small pause, without finishing sentences or pushing them, reduces stress massively and makes everything flow better for both of you.

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Over 10 million people live with Parkinson’s, and the number is quickly growing. Help by sharing The Spark with someone who’d love a dose of hope and science.

Disclaimer: SparkPD is for informational purposes only and not medical advice.