Theme: How neurotrophic factors could be used to treat Parkinson's

Our 2026 Autumn Research Update Meeting will once again be held at 1 Wimpole Street, W1G 0AE, London on Monday 19 October, where attendees can look forward to an engaging agenda featuring the latest updates from Parkinson’s research.

Our next meeting will discuss neurotrophic factors, a group of proteins that help with the growth, survival, and development of nerve cells. In recent years, researchers have been interested in whether treatment with neurotrophic factors could slow Parkinson’s progression. Our 2026 Autumn Research Update Meeting will feature several presentations from researchers in this field, discussing what these therapies are, the challenges associated with them, and recent advancements. The meeting will close with a patient-led panel discussion on what is next for these therapies.

Agenda

2:00 pm – Welcome and opening remarks, Helen Matthews, CEO, Cure Parkinson’s

2:05 pm – Introduction: Cure Parkinson’s Autumn Research Update 2026 (+ Q&A), Dr Simon Stott, Director of Research, Cure Parkinson’s

2:30 pm – Getting involved in Parkinson’s research (+ Q&A), Maddie Bonser, Research Involvement Manager, Cure Parkinson’s

2:45 pm - Exploring neurotrophic factors for Parkinson’s: CDNF (+Q&A), Prof Mart Saarma, University of Helsinki, Finland

3:15 pm – Refreshments break with a chance to learn more about clinical trial opportunities at our interactive information tables.

4 pm – Potential of neurotrophic factors GDF5 and GDNF as protective therapies for Parkinson’s, Prof Aideen Sullivan, University College Cork, Ireland

4:30 pm - Panel discussion: Next steps for GDNF and research on neurotrophic factors

Chair: Jodie Forbes

Prof Aideen Sullivan

Prof Gerard O’Keefe

5:00 pm – Closing remarks

5:15 pm – Food and drinks reception

Description supplied by the event organiser.