Evaluating a new marker for early diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease
Official title: Preclinical evaluation of the D2 receptor agonist MCL-524 as diagnostic marker for presymptomatic Parkinson's Disease
Funded at Mclean Hospital · NIH-10828428 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special compound called MCL-524 to see if it can spot early changes in the brain related to Parkinson's Disease before any symptoms show up, which could help doctors diagnose and treat people at risk sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mclean Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Belmont, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $205,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS131692-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10828428 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are at high risk for developing Parkinson's Disease but have not yet shown any symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease or those with other neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a specific compound, MCL-524, to identify early changes in dopamine receptors associated with Parkinson's Disease before symptoms appear. By using a preclinical model that mimics the early stages of the disease, researchers will assess how well MCL-524 can detect changes in the brain's dopamine system. The study involves advanced techniques to measure receptor activity, which could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment options for patients at risk of developing Parkinson's Disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable earlier diagnosis and intervention for individuals at risk of Parkinson's Disease, potentially slowing disease progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar receptor-targeting approaches for early diagnosis in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Mclean Hospital
Belmont, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Subburaju, Sivan — Mclean Hospital
- Study coordinator: Subburaju, Sivan
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.