In order to begin clinical trials for an experimental new drug, pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. are required to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the FDA. They must then receive the FDA’s approval on the application before they can move forward.
BioArctic has just received word that their IND has been approved for ABBV-0805 which the company is examining as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease. With this essential step crossed off, they plan to begin a clinical trial for the treatment this year.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a central nervous system disorder which is progressive in nature. Researchers have found that for some patients, It is caused by mutations in the alpha-synuclein gene. This gene accumulates in the form of toxic aggregates as well as intracellular deposits also known as Lewy bodies. Lewy bodies are a key feature in this disease. Ultimately, the condition results in a loss of nerve cells which control movement. Patients face many complications associated with movement in addition to other symptoms such as depression, dementia, hallucinations, and disturbed sleep.
Some of the most common movement-related symptoms include tremors, rigid muscles, impaired posture, slowed movement, impaired balance, and a loss of the ability to blink or smile.
There are currently no approved treatments for this disease however patients are prescribed various medications to combat their symptoms.
ABBV-0805
ABBV-0805 could be the first approved pharmacology for Parkinson’s disease. It is an antibody which targets alpha-synuclein. It was created in collaboration with BioArctic and AbbVie, with AbbVie clinically developing the treatment.
Thanks to this partnership and the FDA’s approval of the IND for ABBV-0805, we should see this treatment move into clinical trials soon.
You can read more about this potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease here.
