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New drug may reverse symptoms of Parkinson's April 9, 1997 Web posted at: 11:44 p.m. EDT (0344 GMT) >From Correspondent Jeff Levine WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A new drug has shown promise during studies on animals as a treatment for Parkinson's disease, researchers said Wednesday. The drug, known as GPI-1046, is being tested on rhesus monkeys. Experiments with rats and mice show it can regenerate certain types of nerves in the brain, researchers said. People with Parkinson's can shake uncontrollably and have trouble walking. About 1.5 million Americans have the nerve disorder, which strikes mostly middle-age and older people. "You lose some of your spirit when you get Parkinson's disease, because your fate is unknown," patient Peter Morabito said. In Parkinson's patients, brain cells that make the chemical dopamine are dying. Drugs help, but the process is considered irreversible. GPI-1046 has been found to stimulate existing nerves in the brain to branch out and produce the chemical. "What our data would suggest is that a compound such as GPI-1046, when taken orally, may actually restore the normal function of these dopamine neurons," Peter Suzdak of Guilford Pharmaceuticals said. Drug tested in rodents The drug has been tested in rodents whose brains have been damaged to simulate the effects of Parkinson's. Researchers hope eventually to test the drug on human volunteers in the early or moderate stages of Parkinson's to stop the progression or even reverse signs of the disease. "That would revolutionize neurology," Dr. Jonathan Pincus of Georgetown University said. "This compound apparently enters the brain, at least of rodents, when it's given by mouth, and that is spectacular." One researcher told CNN that the new compound is potentially very promising, although he predicted any benefit to people with Parkinson's could be 10 years away. Effects uncertain There are questions about GPI-1046. Pincus expressed concern about the toxicity of the drug in humans. And since the drug effects neurotransmitters, researchers will look for signs in humans of mania, depression, psychosis and other side effects difficult to study in rats and mice. "We're currently conducting a study in a primate model of Parkinson's disease, and we currently anticipate starting clinical trials in healthy volunteers in the beginning of next year," Suzdak said. Doctors also believe GPI-1046 or something similar might be useful in treating other disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis.