Germany-based Bayer (ETR: BAYN) has announced that its subsidiary BlueRock Therapeutics’ open-label Phase I study for cell therapy bemdaneprocel in Parkinson’s disease has successfully met the safety and tolerability primary endpoint. After one year, no bemdaneprocel-related serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported. Additionally, dose-dependent improvement in motor symptoms and evidence of cell survival and engraftment were observed.
Bemdaneprocel: An Allogenic Stem Cell-Derived Therapy
The investigational therapy, bemdaneprocel, is an allogenic stem cell-derived treatment consisting of human cells induced into dopaminergic neuron precursors. Administered through surgical transplantation into the brain, the therapy aims to replace the dopamine-producing neurons that are crucial for motor and non-motor functions but are lost in Parkinson’s disease.
Advancing to Phase II Trials
Encouraged by the positive early-stage results, the company plans to advance bemdaneprocel to a Phase II trial. This next phase of clinical testing is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2024, marking a significant step forward in the development of this potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease.-Fineline Info & Tech
