Alpha-synuclein Immunotherapy for Parkinson´s disease
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | BIOARCTIC AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 5 000 000 |
| Project duration | September 2015 - April 2017 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
Parkinson´s disease is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders and a disease with a significant unmet medical need. World-wide more than 5 million individuals over the age of 50 suffer from Parkinson´s disease and it is estimated that the number will more than double by 2030. Today, only symptomatic therapies are available for Parkinson´s disease and there is a huge unmet need for treatments that also slow or halt disease progression. The project has contributed to the development of potentially improved future disease modifying treatment of Parkinson´s disease.
Expected results and effects
BioArctic is developing a novel therapy for Parkinson´s disease, with the potential of becoming the first treatment with an effect on the disease progression. The novel treatment concept is based on targeting neurotoxic protofibril forms of alpha-synuclein with a humanized monoclonal antibody, BAN0805. The project has led to a process for the development of material for safety studies and clinical trials in patients with Parkinson´s disease.
Planned approach and implementation
During the project, BioArctic has performed immunogenicity and manufacturability assessment of BAN805. It was concluded that the risk for immunogenic epitopes and/or posttranslational modifications affecting target binding, stability or pharmacokinetic profile was low. Vector construction and cell line development has been performed. Material for toxicological studies in cynomolgus has been produced with high purity and low impurity profile.