Parkinson's Disease Clinical Research Highlights the Emphasis on Disease-Modifying Agents

Parkinson's Disease Clinical Research Overview

Parkinson's disease (PD) therapeutic landscape is heavily genericized, leaving substantial unmet needs in neuroprotective and disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). With current treatments largely focused on motor symptoms, the pipeline across the seven major markets highlights a growing emphasis on DMTs and non-motor symptom therapies, signaling a commitment to advancing PD treatments that address the full spectrum of patient challenges.

Development of Disease-Modifying Therapies

According to GlobalData, a total of 93 products are in Phase I-III development within the 7MM for treating PD, with 66% as prospective neuroprotective agents or DMTs. These investigational agents target key mechanisms implicated in PD pathophysiology, such as alpha-synuclein aggregation and neuroinflammation, with the goal of slowing disease progression.

Key Agents in Development

• Annovis Bio’s Posiphen (buntanetap tartrate) - in Phase III development, aims to inhibit alpha-synuclein.
• BioVie’s Triolex (bezisterim) - Phase III trial planned in the US due to its neuroprotective potential.
• 26% of the pipeline DMTs target alpha-synuclein aggregation, highlighting varying opinions among experts.

Focus on Symptom Management

Key opinion leaders (KOLs) agree on focusing research on DMTs while acknowledging differences in PD pathogenesis across patients. There is notable enthusiasm for therapies addressing falls and non-motor PD symptoms, which remain strong unmet needs in the field.

Addressing Non-Motor Symptoms

The 7MM PD pipeline demonstrates a research effort to address non-motor PD symptoms; 18% of the pipeline consists of 'other antiparkinsonian agents' focused on symptomatic management beyond core motor symptoms.

• Cerevance’s solengepras (Phase III) - aims to improve postural instability.
• IRLAB’s Pirepemat (Phase IIb) - investigated for postural instability and PD-dementia.
• Silo Pharma’s psilocybin (Phase II) - targets depression and anxiety in PD patients.

Future Research Directions

Research efforts expand to encompass treatments for PD-related dementia, suggesting a comprehensive outlook to improve both motor and non-motor symptoms faced by PD patients. The distribution of pipeline agents emphasizes the industry's focus on neuroprotective and disease-modifying treatments.