#Australia #Parkinson's Disease #Sydney #Kazia Therapeutics #Paxalisib

Kazia Therapeutics Collaborates with Hebrew University

Kazia Therapeutics Limited, a company based in Sydney, Australia, is making strides in the field of oncology with its recent collaboration with The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. This partnership has been made possible through a research grant awarded by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. The focus of this collaboration is to evaluate the therapeutic potential of paxalisib, a unique drug known for its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, as a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD).

The Research Objective

The primary objective of this research endeavor is to conduct preclinical studies that analyze the effects of paxalisib on various aspects of Parkinson's disease. With Professor Ronit Sharon's lab at the Hebrew University leading the way, the studies will investigate the drug's impact on mouse survival rates, motor performance, and non-motor functions, alongside identifying specific biochemical and molecular biomarkers related to the disease.

Paxalisib operates as an inhibitor for class IA phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), a pathway that plays a pivotal role in neuronal health. The researchers expect this study to yield crucial data on how paxalisib could alleviate symptoms and possibly modify the disease's course in Parkinson's patients.

Insights from Previous Research

Kazia's CEO, Dr. John Friend, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, noting that significant discoveries have emerged from the Hebrew University regarding neuronal degeneration related to Parkinson's disease. Particularly, the overexpression of human α-synuclein A53T in dopamine neurons is a critical factor in the development and progression of PD. Paxalisib, through its mechanism of action, may inhibit the phosphorylation of this protein, thereby addressing an essential aspect of the disease's pathophysiology.

Preliminary findings obtained from previous studies conducted in the lab have underscored the relevance of the PI3K/AKT/mTORC pathway in Parkinson's disease. This emerging data, coupled with in-vivo studies in mouse models, reinforces the hypothesis that paxalisib has the potential to offer therapeutic benefits in managing Parkinson's disease symptoms.

The Importance of Collaboration

The collaboration between Kazia Therapeutics and Hebrew University signifies a concerted effort in the scientific community to tackle the challenges presented by Parkinson's disease. By harnessing the strengths of both organizations, the research aims to forge new paths in understanding and treating this complex disease.

Both parties are optimistic that the outcome of these studies will advance the existing knowledge regarding paxalisib's capabilities and may lead to viable options for patients suffering from Parkinson's disease.

Future Implications

As clinical trials continue to explore the boundaries of available therapies for neurodegenerative disorders, paxalisib stands out due to its unique ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively. The insights gained from the upcoming research not only have the potential to facilitate new treatment avenues for PD but could transform the landscape of care for those affected by it.

In conclusion, the partnership between Kazia Therapeutics and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem represents a notable step forward in the quest to understand and treat Parkinson's disease. With the backing of The Michael J. Fox Foundation, this initiative embodies the hope that innovative therapeutic strategies can emerge, offering improved outcomes for patients battling this challenging condition. For ongoing updates about the research, interested parties can follow Kazia Therapeutics on their official website or through their social media channels.