Oncodesign Precision Medicine (OPM) has announced the reacquisition of rights to its OPM-201 program for Parkinson's disease from Servier, following the completion of a Phase I trial that confirmed the drug's safety in healthy volunteers. The move comes after five years of collaboration, with Servier refocusing its neurology efforts on rare diseases.
OPM-201 is a selective, potent, and orally active molecule designed to inhibit LRRK2 kinase, a target considered promising for modifying the progression of Parkinson's disease. The drug has demonstrated the ability to inhibit LRRK2 phosphorylation in the brain without significant side effects at effective doses.
Phase I Trial and Future Development
The Phase I study, initiated in October 2022, has confirmed the safety of OPM-201 in healthy volunteers. Final results from the Phase I trial are expected in the second quarter of 2025. Philippe Genne, Chairman and CEO of Oncodesign Precision Medicine, stated, "The collaboration with Servier has significantly propelled this innovative program, confirming its quality and the safety of our compound in healthy volunteers. Taking advantage of Servier's strategic repositioning, we have regained full rights to the OPM-201 program to take full control of its development for the treatment of patients suffering from Parkinson's disease."
OPM intends to advance the program internally until a new partner is found for the later clinical phases. Jan Hoflack, Scientific Director of Oncodesign Precision Medicine, noted, "Our LRRK2 project remains a key asset for the company and, most importantly, holds the promise of delivering a solution to the many Parkinson's patients who currently lack effective treatment options."
About OPM-201 and LRRK2
The OPM-201 program began in 2011 and has progressed through various stages of development, including a collaboration with Ipsen laboratories. The molecule is derived from Nanocyclix® technology. The Phase 1 trial initiated by Servier demonstrated good tolerability and interesting LRRK2 target engagement in the highest-dose healthy volunteers.
LRRK2 is a major therapeutic target in Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting 1% of the population over 60, with approximately 8.5 million patients worldwide as of 2019. Activating mutations in the LRRK2 gene are associated with hereditary forms of Parkinson's disease. Current treatments primarily address symptoms by increasing dopamine levels, but LRRK2-targeting therapies offer the potential to modify the course of the disease.
