My PD Story

2026 Impact Award

Counteracting Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesias with a New Genetic Therapy

Levodopa is the gold standard medication for most people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), effectively treating movement symptoms. However, routine use of the medication can lead to levodopa-induced dyskinesias (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 Parkinson’s Foundation Impact Award, 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 disease therapy.” – Dr. Petersson

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 for this project, recently developed an experimental genetic therapy for epilepsy in which neurons are given a genetic “pressure release valve” that is activated when neurons become overactive and reduces their activity. By specifically targeting the overactive neurons, the treatment ensures that properly functioning neurons remain unaffected, preserving normal brain function. This therapy is currently advancing towards clinical trials in epilepsy patients. 

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 disease. Now, Dr. Petersson will continue to test this genetic therapy in mice with simulated PD and LID. In addition to carefully checking for side effects, he will observe if the treatment reduces their episodes without otherwise affecting their health and behavior. He will also scan the brain to see in which neurons the pressure release valve is activated most often. This will help confirm which types of brain cells contribute to LID, which will help fine-tune the treatment in the future.

“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.