Increase brain and blood glutathione with gamma‑glutamylcysteine in early Parkinson's
Official title: Brain Glutathione (GSH) Enrichment Through Gamma-glutamylcysteine (GGC) Supplementation in Early Parkinson's Disease Patients for Reduction of Extrapyramidal Motor Disturbances and Halting Cognition Decline: A Pilot Trial
Run by University of Pittsburgh · NCT07064005 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will test whether daily gamma‑glutamylcysteine supplements raise brain and blood glutathione and improve motor, thinking, and gut symptoms in people with early Parkinson's.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 50 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 12 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 23, 2026 |
| Main results expected | September 2027 |
| Study ends | November 27, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07064005 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are people aged 50–80 with a confirmed Parkinson's diagnosis, MoCA score ≥26, the ability to read and write English, and no dementia or major organ disease.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with Parkinson's disease dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies, MRI‑incompatible implants or claustrophobia, significant kidney or liver disease, active psychosis, recent cancer, current antioxidant therapy or illicit drug dependence, or prior traumatic head injury are excluded and would not receive benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This Phase 1 interventional study gives oral gamma‑glutamylcysteine (GGC) to people with early Parkinson's and measures biochemical and clinical changes before and after 12 months of supplementation. Brain glutathione will be measured noninvasively using MEGA‑PRESS MR spectroscopy, and blood glutathione and iron levels will be measured at baseline and after treatment. Motor function and neuropsychological testing will be performed pre- and post-supplementation, and gut microbiome measures will be compared to assess dysbiosis. The study aims to correlate changes in brain glutathione with motor performance and gut microbiome changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, GGC supplementation could raise antioxidant glutathione in the brain and blood and potentially improve motor, cognitive, and gut-related symptoms in early Parkinson's patients.
How similar studies have gone: GGC and other precursors have shown promising biochemical increases in glutathione in preclinical and small human studies, but clinical benefit in Parkinson's disease remains largely unproven.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Confirmed Parkinson's Disease diagnosis. * Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) greater than or equal to 26. * Age (50 to 80 years of age). * Ability to read and write in English. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of pacemakers, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, ear implants, metal fragments in the eyes, skin, or body. * Subjects with claustrophobia. * Patients with a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies. * Subjects with a history of cancer. * Subjects with active psychosis or delirium. * Subjects with chronic kidney (creatinine \> 1.5mg/dL) or liver disease (AST ≥ 1.5 ULN; ALT ≥ 1.5 ULN) within 30 days prior to enrolment. * Subjects on antioxidant therapy (ashwagandha, gingko biloba or N-acetylcysteine) or illicit drug abuse/dependence (cocaine, heroin, marijuana, or fentanyl). * Subjects with previous traumatic head injury.
Where it's running
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UPMC Presbyterian Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Pravat K Mandal, PHD — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Pravat K MANDAL, PHD
- Email: mandalpk@pitt.edu
- Phone: 4126999561
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.