What are the objections?

Previously, I’ve shared my surprise and frustration with responses from Parkinson’s experts to our proposal of treating Parkinson’s as a disease of dopamine excess. These responses could be relayed indirectly from a potential Right Brain Bio investor during their due diligence or directly when I engage with a Parkinson’s specialist. Often these responses are provided in the context of claiming open-mindedness to novel ideas. 

Recently I’ve been asked for some of the comments received from experts.  So below are a few examples (paraphrased) with my responses.

When I worked as a cardiologist, our annual meeting of the Heart Failure Society of American included debates on controversial topics. They were a highlight of my professional career — not just because I got to participate in one — but because it was a venue for David (me) to take on Goliath (seemingly everyone else). In this example, the visibility of the data was a critical step that ultimately led to the drug being withdrawn from the market, validating my position in the debate.

I wish there were a similar professional public venue that allowed for the same kind of open exchange in the world of Movement Disorders. But even with one, we’ll continue to move our project toward launch of a clinical trial to prove whether the preclinical data will be replicated in people with Parkinson’s.