• NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) is a readily available health supplement

• In its clinical strength it is used to treat paracetamol overdose and to loosen thick mucous in conditions like Cystic Fibrosis

• NAC works by increasing the levels of an amino acid called cysteine available to the brain, which in turn increases the amount of a major antioxidant called glutathione - this, it is believed, helps to reduce neuronal death 

• Past research has shown that people with Parkinson's have reduced levels of glutathione - we hypothesise that by using NAC to increase levels of glutathione in the brain, we can reduce neuronal death and slow down the progression of Parkinson's

• This work has been championed throughout by Professor Caroline Tanner and originally a trial was planned to take place across multiple centres in California, US. However, fundraising has proved challenging and the benefits including financially of conducting a trial in the UK under Prof Tanner’s supervision are evident and this strategy is being pursued by CPT.

• FUNDING IS STILL NEEDED FOR THIS TRIAL