Parkinson's disease: improved function with GM1 ganglioside treatment in a randomized placebo-controlled study

Studies in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD) suggest that GM1 ganglioside treatment can restore neurologic and dopaminergic function. In view of positive preclinical findings and the results of a previous open-label study demonstrating efficacy of GM1 in PD patients, this study compared effects of GM1 ganglioside and placebo on motor functions in PD patients.

Forty-five patients with mild to moderate PD were studied. The primary efficacy measure was change in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score. After three independent baseline assessments, patients received IV infusion of the test drug (1,000 mg GM1 or placebo) and then self-administered either GM1 or placebo twice daily (200 mg/day, subcutaneously) for 16 weeks. Patients were examined during monthly follow-up visits.

There was a significant difference between groups in UPDRS motor scores at 16 weeks (p=0.0001). The activities of daily living portion of the UPDRS (off-period assessment) also showed a significant effect in favor of the GM1-treated patients (p=0.04). GM1-treated patients also had significantly greater mean improvements than placebo-treated patients in performance of timed motor tests including tests of arm, hand, and foot movements, and walking. GM1 was well tolerated and no serious adverse events were reported.

This study demonstrates that GM1 ganglioside treatment enhances neurologic function significantly in PD patients. Further study is warranted to evaluate long-term effects of GM1 in PD patients and to elucidate further the mechanisms underlying patient improvements.