VANCOUVER – PRX002, an investigational monoclonal antibody, may inhibit cell-to-cell transmission of alpha-synuclein and modify disease progression in Parkinson’s disease (PD), according to a study released today at the 21st International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders.
The study, led by Joseph Jankovic and a team of researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, investigated the use of PRX002 in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 1b multiple ascending-dose study. The patient population consisted of 80 predominantly Caucasian males with mild to moderate PD. PRX002 was well tolerated and showed a rapid dose- and time-dependent reduction of alpha-synuclein levels of up to 97% after a single does. These observations were consistent after two additional monthly doses. A phase 2 study is planned to evaluate PRX002 as a disease-modifying treatment for PD.
Anthony Lang, Director of the Movement Disorders Clinic at Toronto Western Hospital, states, “This study reports an important development in the field of Parkinson’s disease. There has been considerable interest in the possibility of using passive and active ‘immunization’ in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases with antibodies directed at proteins that are believed to result in neurotoxicity and cell death. The potential for these treatments is further enhanced by the belief that the progression of these diseases involves cell to cell transmission of the abnormal protein, alpha synuclein in the case of Parkinson’s disease. The abstract describes the results of a Phase 1b multiple-ascending dose study of a monoclonal antibody, PRX002, directed at alpha synuclein. The study demonstrated that in doses up to 60 mg/kilogram the treatment was well tolerated, entered the central nervous system and caused a rapid dose- and time-dependent reduction in the levels of alpha synuclein in the cerebrospinal fluid (up to 97%). These very promising results pave the way for planned Phase 2 studies with the hope that this immunological approach, directed at the toxic protein, will have an impact on the inexorably progressive nature of Parkinson’s disease.”
About the International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders: Meeting attendees gather to learn the latest research findings and state-of-the-art treatment options in Movement Disorders, including Parkinson’s disease. Over 3,900 physicians and medical professionals from more than 89 countries will be able to view over 1,500 scientific abstracts submitted by clinicians from around the world.
About the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society: The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS), an international society of over 5,000 clinicians, scientists, and other healthcare professionals, is dedicated to improving patient care through education and research. For more information about MDS, visit www.movementdisorders.org
