Targeting inflammation in Parkinson’s: an update on two phase 2 trials – Dr Caroline Williams-Gray

In this presentation, Dr Caroline Williams-Gray from Cambridge University discusses the recent results of the phase 2 trial of azathioprine (AZA-PD), an immunosuppressive medication. Cure Parkinson’s funded a sub-study of this trial which aimed to better understand azathioprine’s mechanism of action, or how the drug interacts with the body. This trial involved 66 people with early-stage Parkinson’s (diagnosed less than 3 years before recruitment) taking azathioprine or a placebo (dummy drug) for 12 months. The researchers aimed to determine if azathioprine can “correct” the Parkinson’s immune profile and slow progression by suppressing immune activity in the brain and body. Dr Williams-Gray discusses the results of this study, as well as gives an update on the ongoing phase 2 trial of dapansutrile – a novel anti-inflammatory drug being developed by Olatec Therapeutics. This presentation was part of the Cure Parkinson’s Spring 2026 Research Update Meeting. Find out more about these meetings - https://cureparkinsons.org.uk/researc... Website: https://cureparkinsons.org.uk/ Facebook: /   / cureparkinsons   Instagram: /   / cureparkinsons   X/Twitter: /   / cureparkinsonst   LinkedIn /   / the-cure-parkinson's-trust