Investigational Gene Therapies for Parkinson's Disease

Since the publication of the first gene therapy clinical trial in Parkinson's disease (PD) in 2007, rapid advances have resulted in escalating interest in applying this technology to manipulate various cellular processes altered in PD. There is now a rich literature describing the various approaches taken, including modulating aberrant networks, restoring dopamine, and mitigating deleterious effects of known gene mutations or as a restorative therapy. Evidence has accrued supporting feasibility, safety, and tolerability of initial gene therapy approaches, as well as providing initial indications of efficacy in several cases. However, there have also been unexpected challenges, and technology is still evolving, making this an important time point to evaluate what has been learned and to place it in context to support ongoing and future efforts. In this review, we focus on the potential of gene therapy to ameliorate symptoms and modify disease progression in PD. We critically review previous clinical research, we address potential benefits and predicted limitations, and we address pipeline approaches aiming to bring a gene therapy approach to the clinic.