A ketone drink to alleviate the symptoms of PD 1.17
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Supplementation with a ketone ester drink to alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
IRAS ID
256914
Contact name
Michele Hu
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
TdeltaS Ltd
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN64294760
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
19/SC/0138, South Central - Berkshire
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 10 months, 0 days
Research summary
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. It is characterized by the death of dopamine-releasing neurons and manifests in a variety of progressive motor and nonmotor symptoms. While the exact causes of PD are not understood, it is believed that errors in energy metabolism contribute to the progression of the disease.
Interventions that address these errors in energy metabolism may prevent the progression and improve the symptoms of PD. One promising intervention is the dietary administration of a ketone ester (ΔG®) that was developed by the Clarke group at the University of Oxford. ΔG® supplies the brain with ketone bodies, an alternative source of fuel to glucose. By improving energy metabolism in neurons, we hypothesize that ΔG® can ameliorate the symptoms of PD.
This study will build on literature supporting the therapeutic efficacy of ketone bodies in neurodegeneration by investigating whether or not supplementation with ΔG® improves motor and nonmotor function in PD patients. PD patients will be randomized to receive either ΔG® or a placebo control drink for one month, during which time they will undergo a series of functional tests to monitor for changes in their symptoms. They will also provide blood samples to monitor for changes in metabolites relevant to their health. The results of this study may support the use of ΔG® as a safe non-pharmacological means of improving the symptoms of PD.
REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/SC/0138
Date of REC Opinion
10 May 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion