Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, announced results from the Phase IIb PADOVA study of prasinezumab, an investigational monoclonal antibody for early-stage Parkinson's disease. While the study did not meet its primary endpoint, it showed potential benefits in a subgroup of patients.
The PADOVA study involved 586 participants with early-stage Parkinson's disease who were treated for a minimum of 18 months while on stable symptomatic treatment. The primary endpoint was the time to confirmed motor progression, defined as a ≥5-point increase in the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) Part III score assessed in the OFF medication state.
Study Findings
Prasinezumab showed a numerical delay in motor progression, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.69-1.01) and a p-value of 0.0657, which did not reach statistical significance. However, in a pre-specified analysis, the effect of prasinezumab was more pronounced in the 75% of participants treated with levodopa, with a HR of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.63-0.99).
Consistent positive trends were observed across multiple secondary and exploratory endpoints. The drug continued to be well-tolerated, and no new safety signals were identified.
Expert Commentary
"Parkinson's is complex and devastating with no disease modifying treatment options available for the millions of people impacted," said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development at Roche. "We believe the consistent efficacy trends from the Phase IIb study of prasinezumab merit further exploration. We will continue our close collaboration with the Parkinson's community as we further evaluate the data to determine next steps."
Further Evaluation
The Phase II PASADENA and Phase IIb PADOVA open-label extension studies will continue to explore the observed effects. Roche plans to present full results from the PADOVA study at an upcoming medical meeting and will work with health authorities to determine the next steps for prasinezumab's development.
About Prasinezumab
Prasinezumab is an investigational monoclonal antibody designed to selectively bind aggregated α-synuclein and reduce neuronal toxicity. By targeting the build-up of α-synuclein protein in the brain, prasinezumab aims to prevent further accumulation and spreading between cells, potentially slowing down the progression of Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's Disease: A Growing Concern
Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive, and debilitating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons. It affects over 10 million people worldwide, and its prevalence is increasing, making it one of the fastest-growing neurological disorders. While current treatments can effectively alleviate motor symptoms, they do not slow down or stop the clinical progression of the disease.
Roche is evaluating multiple approaches to slow down disease progression and potentially prevent Parkinson's disease, targeting underlying disease processes such as aggregated α-synuclein production, lysosomal dysfunction, and neuroinflammation.
