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Current therapeutic approaches for Parkinson's disease (PD) are based around treatments that alleviate symptoms but do not slow or prevent disease progression. As such, alternative strategies are needed. A promising approach is the use of molecules that reduce the function of leucine‐rich repeat kinase (LRRK2). Gain‐of‐function mutations in LRRK2 account for a notable proportion of familial Parkinson's disease cases, and significantly, elevated LRRK2 kinase activity is reported in idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Here, we describe progress in finding therapeutically effective LRRK2 inhibitors, summarising studies that range from in vitro experiments to clinical trials. LRRK2 is a complex protein with two enzymatic activities and a myriad of functions. This creates opportunities for a rich variety of strategies and also increases the risk of unintended consequences. We comment on the strength and limitations of the different approaches and conclude that with two molecules under clinical trial and a diversity of alternative options in the pipeline, there is cause for optimism. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Building Bridges in Neuropharmacology. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.8/issuetoc [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As pleiotropic neuromodulators of the stress system, the oxytocin and vasopressin systems are considered promising targets or plasma biomarkers of autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia and substance use disorder. Disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) are of course not limited to neurodegenerative conditions that predominantly occur in old age. Substance use disorders are conditions where effective pharmacotherapy is limited, risky or not available, and hence another area where effective pharmacotherapeutics are needed. [Extracted from the article]