New Research Funding to Explore Innovative Approaches to Chronic Parkinson's Pain
New research supported by The Hospital Research Foundation Group will investigate promising therapeutic approaches to managing chronic pain and protecting brain cells in people living with Parkinson’s disease.
Lateral Pharma welcomes the announcement of new funding from The Hospital Research Foundation Group, supporting research led by Associate Professor Lyndsey Collins-Praino at Adelaide University.
The Hospital Research Foundation Group (THRFG) is an Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advancing medical research, improving hospital care and providing vital community health services. Through its network of specialist charities, research partnerships and healthcare initiatives, primarily across South Australia and Western Australia, THRFG supports more than 60 areas of medical research and patient care. Its funding, made possible through community donations, fundraising and commercial initiatives, helps researchers investigate new treatments and improve health outcomes for Australians.
This new project forms part of a $500,000 funding commitment shared between two research initiatives, awarded through THRFG’s Neurodegenerative Conditions: Advancing Diagnosis & Treatment grant round.
Addressing an Overlooked Challenge in Parkinson's Disease
While Parkinson’s disease is widely recognised for its effects on movement, chronic pain is another significant, and often overlooked, symptom.
According to THRFG, pain affects up to 85% of people living with Parkinson’s disease, substantially impacting quality of life, mood and cognitive wellbeing.
Despite its prevalence, effective pain management remains a major challenge, highlighting the need for innovative treatments that address the underlying biological processes contributing to pain.
Exploring New Therapeutic Possibilities
Led by Associate Professor Collins-Praino, the newly funded research will investigate a promising class of compounds for their potential to both alleviate chronic pain and protect against the loss of brain cells associated with Parkinson’s disease.
The research represents an opportunity to further investigate the therapeutic potential of Lateral Pharma’s Stressed Cell Protectant (SCP) technology in neurological conditions.
David Kenley OAM, CEO of Lateral Pharma, commented:
“Lateral Pharma’s research focuses on activating the LanCL family of proteins, which are involved in cellular stress responses and protective biological pathways. This Parkinson’s research could provide valuable new insights into whether these protective mechanisms offer benefits in conditions where pain and progressive neurological damage coexist.”
Supporting the Next Generation of Neurological Research
The two-year funding program will also support a separate project led by Dr Bin Guan at Adelaide University, developing softer, more precise electrodes for deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease.
Together, the projects reflect a growing focus on improving both symptom management and quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s.
Lateral Pharma celebrates and welcomes the continued investment in innovative Australian medical research and the opportunity to advance scientific understanding of complex neurological conditions.
Read the original announcement here
