Session Description:

Cell and gene therapies are promising novel treatments that have the potential to revolutionise the treatment landscape and provide new opportunities for patients with Parkinson’s disease by shifting from disease management to transformative therapy. In this session, chaired by Professor Joaquim Ferreira, a panel of leading experts will explore advances in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease with a specific focus on the role of cell and gene therapies and how they have evolved over the years. Professor Tom Foltynie will discuss current unmet needs in the management of Parkinson’s disease and provide an overview of established and novel therapies. Professor Mark Richardson will discuss how optimised neurosurgical approaches have allowed for safe, efficient, and targeted delivery of cell and gene therapies directly to brain areas centrally involved in Parkinson’s disease. Professor Claire Henchcliffe will give a brief overview of emerging cell and gene therapies and present newly released efficacy and safety data from phase I trials of bemdaneprocel and AB-1005. The faculty will also engage in a panel discussion with the opportunity to answer questions from the audience.