Could a common heart pill slow Parkinson's? small trial aims to find out
NCT ID NCT04218968
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This phase 2 trial tests whether carvedilol, a drug usually used for heart conditions, can slow the loss of dopamine transporters in the brain and delay Parkinson's symptoms. It follows 15 people with REM sleep behavior disorder and other early Parkinson's risk factors over three years. Researchers will use brain scans and clinical checks to see if the drug reduces the rate of decline.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Carvedilol (a heart medication that blocks adrenergic signals)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a way to slow Parkinson's disease progression in people with early warning signs.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-phase study with only 15 participants. It may not show a clear benefit, and carvedilol is not a cure.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Michele L Lima Gregorio
Los Angeles, California, 90046, United States
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