While current Parkinson's disease (PD) treatments primarily address motor symptoms, a significant shift in research is focusing on disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) to alter the course of the disease. Key opinion leaders (KOLs) have highlighted the urgent need for therapies that can slow or halt disease progression and manage non-motor symptoms, which greatly impact patients' quality of life.
Emphasis on Neuroprotection and Disease Modification
According to GlobalData's drug database, a substantial 66% of the 93 pipeline products in Phase I to Phase III development across the seven major markets (7MM: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the UK, and the US) are being investigated for their neuroprotective or disease-modifying properties. These investigational agents target key mechanisms implicated in the pathophysiology of PD, such as alpha-synuclein aggregation and neuroinflammation, to slow disease progression.
Targeting Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation
Notably, therapies targeting alpha-synuclein aggregation constitute 26% of the DMT pipeline. Annovis Bio’s Posiphen (buntanetap tartrate), currently in Phase III development (NCT05357989) in the US and five major European markets (5EU: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK), seeks to inhibit alpha-synuclein. However, KOLs have expressed divided opinions on the likely efficacy of anti-alpha-synuclein therapies, with some citing safety concerns and the failure of Prothena/Roche’s prasinezumab in the Phase II PASADENA trial (NCT03100149).
Addressing Non-Motor Symptoms
There is a growing recognition of the importance of addressing non-motor symptoms in PD, such as falls, cognitive impairment, and emotional disturbances. Approximately 18% of the pipeline is classified as "other anti-Parkinsonian agents," emphasizing symptom management beyond core motor symptoms. Cerevance’s solengepras, currently under Phase III (NCT06553027) investigation in the US, aims to improve postural instability in PD patients. Additionally, IRLAB’s Pirepemat is under investigation at Phase IIb (NCT05258071) and Phase II for both postural instability and PD-dementia, and Silo Pharma’s psilocybin (Phase II) targets cognitive and emotional impairment (particularly depression and anxiety) in patients with PD.
The focus on improving non-motor symptoms in PD patients is further highlighted by the fact that 3% of the pipeline is specifically targeting PD-dementia and PD-psychosis. This comprehensive approach aims to improve both motor and non-motor symptoms, addressing the broader spectrum of challenges faced by PD patients.
