In a study by its US subsidiary BlueRock Therapeutics, Bayer identified the first signs of an improvement in the symptoms of its new Parkinson’s therapy.
In an early study with twelve patients, seven participants with a high dose would have had their symptoms well under control for a good two hours longer a day, Bayer explained on Monday at an international specialist congress in Copenhagen. The time it took for symptoms to worsen, recorded in the diary, was reduced by almost two hours. Smaller improvements were seen at low doses. The treatment was well tolerated by the patients from the USA and Canada without major complications.
The core of the therapy is the transplantation of cells into the subjects’ brains in order to compensate for the damage to the nerve cells caused by the disease. For this purpose, human embryonic stem cells are converted into dopamine-producing nerve cells. Drugs are also given to prevent the immune system from attacking the new cells.
Parkinson’s is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, affecting more than ten million people worldwide. It is caused by damage to the nerve cells in the brain, which leads to a lack of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Common symptoms include loss of muscle control, tremors, muscle stiffness and slow movements. Dementia occurs in some patients. Drugs used to date can alleviate the symptoms of the disease, but cannot cure it.
Bayer hopes that its cell therapy will stop the disease and reverse its course. The company confirmed that it would start a phase 2 study with more subjects. Patients are expected to be recruited in the first half of 2024.
Via XETRA, Bayer shares temporarily gained 0.16 percent to EUR 50.13.
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