OACS-3

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Obeticholic acid for the Amelioration of Cognitive Symptoms trial - 3

  • IRAS ID

    1004317

  • Contact name

    David Jones

  • Contact email

    david.jones@newcastle.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

  • Eudract number

    2020-004958-30

  • ISRCTN Number

    ISRCTN98936300

  • Research summary

    This research aims to see whether treatment with Obeticholic Acid improves cognitive and fatigue symptoms and whether it is safe and well tolerated in people with Parkinson’s (PwP). If the results from this small trial show that the treatment might be effective, it could lead to a larger clinical trial. \nThe development of memory and thinking problems in PwP is common, and has a profound effect on patients and carers. At present, there are little in the way of treatment options and no treatments that alter the progression of cognitive decline. There has been increasing interest in drugs used in other medical conditions that might also have an effect in Parkinson’s. One such drug is Obeticholic Acid, which has been used in liver disease (specifically in a disorder called Primary Biliary Cholangitis) and may improve cognition.\n\nUsing drugs that are already in clinical use for other conditions is an effective way to ensure patient benefit is seen in a timely manner. We know from other research that there might be a similar underlying mechanism of thinking problems in patients with both liver disease and Parkinson’s. If this study demonstrates some improvements in measurements, it will be a very exciting field of research where little treatment currently exists.

  • REC name

    London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    22/LO/0115

  • Date of REC Opinion

    8 Mar 2022

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion