"Proposed Parkinson's Staging Framework Revolutionizes Disease Classification"
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research has proposed a new framework, the neuronal alpha-synuclein disease integrated staging system (NSD-ISS), for defining and staging Parkinson’s disease based on its underlying biology rather than by hallmark disease symptoms. This framework, described in a position paper published in The Lancet Neurology, aims to provide a standardized tool for researchers and industry to speed therapy development and facilitate clinical trials for disease prevention. The NSD-ISS is based on disease stages ranging from zero to six, and experts believe it will allow for a more objective assessment and comparison of lab research and clinical trial designs, ultimately fostering innovation in clinical development and leading to next-generation treatments in Parkinson’s.