## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [Parkinson's Today Blog](/resources-support/blog) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [Parkinson's Today Blog](/resources-support/blog) Advancing Research # Meet the Researcher Developing a One-Time Gene Therapy Treatment for Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia Nov 03, 2026 ## 🧠 What will you learn in this article? This article highlights a researcher who is exploring a new way to treat levodopa-induced dyskinesia. - Per Petersson, PhD, is a recipient of a Parkinson’s Foundation Impact Award. - Levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) is a medication side effect that affects the quality of life of people with PD. - A new genetic therapy could potentially provide a one-time treatment to reduce LID, greatly benefiting people with PD. ![Meet the Research Per Petersson, PhD](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/mrt-petersson-hero.jpg?itok=C8rJmYPm) [Levodopa](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/prescription-medications/levodopa "Levodopa") is the gold standard medication for most people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), effectively treating [movement symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms "Movement Symptoms"). However, routine use of the medication can lead to levodopa-induced [dyskinesias](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms/dyskinesia "Dyskinesia") (LID), involuntary and erratic movements that are a side effect of the drug and not directly caused by PD. Dyskinesias are often as debilitating as the disease itself, and better treatments for the condition are desperately needed. Per Petersson, PhD, recipient of a 2026 [Parkinson’s Foundation Impact Award](/advancing-research/finding-cure/currently-funded-grants "Currently Funded Grants"), is exploring a new way to counteract LID through genetic therapy. This one-time treatment gives the brain the tools to sense and silence overactive neurons the moment an episode begins. > “This research could lead to a completely new way of treating levodopa-induced dyskinesia, one of the most common and disabling side effects of Parkinson’s therapy,” said Dr. Petersson. “Our approach is uniquely designed to selectively calm overactive brain cells while preserving the beneficial effects of levodopa on movement. Our long-term goal is to translate fundamental discoveries about brain circuits into treatments that improve quality of life for patients.” Research indicates that a small group of neurons in the brain often contribute to LID. As dopamine levels increase following a levodopa dose, these specific neurons can suddenly increase in activity and lead to involuntary movements. Gabriele Lignani, PhD, coinvestigator on this project, recently developed an experimental genetic therapy for epilepsy that acts like a genetic “pressure release valve” that is activated when neurons become overactive, reducing their activity. The treatment leaves functioning neurons unaffected, preserving normal brain function. This therapy is currently advancing toward clinical trials for people with epilepsy. Dr. Petersson and his team at Umeå University in Sweden recognized that this therapy could also work on overactive neurons contributing to LID, potentially benefiting those with PD. Excitingly, his initial studies in mice have shown greater reductions in LID-like involuntary movements than the only medication specifically approved to treat dyskinesia in Parkinson’s. Now, Dr. Petersson will continue testing the genetic therapy in mice with simulated PD and LID. He will monitor side effects and see if the treatment reduces episodes without otherwise affecting their health and behavior. He will also scan the brain to see which neurons activate the pressure release valve most often. This will help confirm the types of brain cells that contribute to LID, which will help fine-tune the treatment. “Receiving a Parkinson’s Foundation Impact Award is both an honor and an important validation of a research direction that we believe has the potential to change how levodopa-induced dyskinesia is treated,” said Dr. Petersson. “If successful, this research could provide the foundation for a long-lasting, potentially one-time treatment that improves quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s disease.” **Meet more Parkinson’s researchers! Explore our** [**My PD Stories featuring PD researchers**](https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/stories?_page=1&keywords=&_limit=9&story=17)**.** ## Related Materials Books ### [ Women and Parkinson's Research and Care Agenda ](/library/books/women-research-care-agenda) [Read Now](/library/books/women-research-care-agenda) Podcasts ### [ Episode 33: The Parkinson’s Prevalence Project ](/library/podcast/33) [Listen Now](/library/podcast/33) Videos & Webinars ### [ Neuro Talk: How Can We Diversify Parkinson’s Genetic Testing? ](/library/videos/diversify-genetic-testing) [Watch Now](/library/videos/diversify-genetic-testing) ## Related Blog Posts ![Doctor wearing gloves examines a radiology scan on a touchscreen monitor in an operating room.](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/neuro-talk-precision.png?h=9105c3fe&itok=_78EQibg) Advancing Research ### [ Neuro Talk: Precision Medicine ](/blog/research/precision-medicine-parkinsons) READ NOW ![Medical experts having a meeting](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/think-tank-blog-hero.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=i03Zmin6) Advancing Research ### [ First-Ever Parkinson’s Prevention Think Tank Identifies Actions to Take for a World without Parkinson’s ](/blog/research/parkinsons-prevention-think-tank) READ NOW ![Divya Palanisamy, MD, headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/divya-palanisamy-preview.png?h=9105c3fe&itok=1u1TtpEO) Advancing Research ### [ Improving Parkinson’s Awareness and Outcomes Through Multigenerational Health Literacy Programs ](/blog/research/multigenerational-health-literacy) READ NOW [VIEW ALL BLOGS](/resources-support/blog) ### Monthly Gifts Your ongoing support provides steady funding that we can count on to remain innovative in our work to make life better for people with Parkinson’s. 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