After years of putting on a brave face, Parkinson’s victim Michael J. Fox finally has a good medical reason to smile.

The 46-year-old star has been battling the disease since 1991, and insiders fear his condition has been steadily worsening.

But now researchers have discovered that a drug called Isradipine, normally used to combat high blood pressure, angina and strokes, may slow – or even stop – the progression of the devastating illness.

“Michael is thrilled beyond words,” says a source close to Michael. “He didn’t want to get his hopes up, but the reports from the clinical trials have been exceptional, and he’s very optimistic that this could change his life.”

Incredible Isradipine Results Isradipine has been tested on animals at Northwestern University with incredible results. Now, scientists are planning to launch a human clinical trial, giving hope to Michael and the 1.5 million other Americans who also have Parkinson’s.

If all goes well, Isradipine will be the biggest advance in treatment in the last 30 years. “Michael and his family are all praying that this will be a miracle breakthrough,” says the source. “Apparently, Michael’s condition is getting worse, as was expected.

The amount of medication he has to take to control the tremors is substantially higher this year, and that is not a good sign. So they’re all praying this works.”

Barbara Cassidy, president of the Hartman Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in East Islip, N. Y., says “We are very excited for Michael. One of the researchers behind this new drug, Dr. James Surmeier, is on our scientific advisory committee.”

Adds a Fox family friend, “Michael has invested so much in the search for a cure. If anyone deserves it, he does.” [via]