Terazosin for Early Parkinson's Disease
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by many non-motor symptoms that occur several years before the diagnosis, in particular idiopathic REM behavior disorder (iRBD), which is associated with autonomic impairment. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of treatment with the selective post-synaptic a1-adrenergic blocker terazosin on 123I-MIBG myocardial uptake in a population of subjects with defined pre-motor PD risks (i.e. hyposmia and RBD) and abnormal baseline 123I-MIBG uptake, with or without 123I-Ioflupane uptake abnormality or PD motor symptoms. Scintigraphic changes will be correlated to motor and non-motor severity of PD, measured by validated clinical scales and cardiac autonomic function tests.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you are currently using alpha-adrenergic antagonists or certain medications like sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil.
Is Terazosin safe for humans?
How does the drug Terazosin differ from other treatments for Parkinson's disease?
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug Terazosin for treating early Parkinson's Disease?
Terazosin has been shown to be effective in treating conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), where it improves urine flow and reduces symptoms. While these conditions are different from Parkinson's Disease, the drug's ability to improve blood flow and reduce symptoms in other conditions may suggest potential benefits for Parkinson's patients.1112131415
Who Is on the Research Team?
Michele L Tagliati, MD
Principal Investigator
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for people aged 50-85 with early signs of Parkinson's Disease, like REM Sleep Behavior Disorder or loss of smell. They must have constipation and may have depression but can't be severely depressed or demented. Participants need a specific heart scan result and can't have other serious health issues like recent heart attacks, very low blood pressure, severe sleep apnea, or diabetes.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive daily oral doses of adrenergic blocker terazosin, titrated from 1 mg to 5 mg or 10 mg based on tolerability
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including heart rate variability and MIBG reuptake
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Terazosin
Terazosin is already approved in United States for the following indications:
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Lead Sponsor