Biogen and the Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center today announced the formation of a strategic alliance focused on enhancing the understanding of the underlying biology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and the creation of novel tools and programs that could accelerate research and the development of new PD treatments. The agreement will combine the unique clinical expertise and data of the Institute with Biogen’s focus on neurodegenerative disease and approach to clinical development.
The multi-year collaboration includes an array of PD-related activities designed to drive advances in basic science and treatment including:
- Discovery of gene targets and modifier genes that might serve as novel therapeutic targets
- The creation of well-defined patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)
- A study of gastrointestinal symptoms related to PD
- A search for quantitative and symptom-based trial endpoints
- The potential identification of new therapeutic approval pathways
The collaborative effort will be enhanced by rich information from the Institute’s Brain and Tissue Knowledge Bank, which contains patient biological samples, profiles, family health histories, and clinical outcomes.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive movement-related disorder of the central nervous system. It is estimated that there are approximately one million Americans living with Parkinson’s. Each year, 50,000 new cases are diagnosed, and this rate is expected to rise with the aging population. A clear understanding of Parkinson’s and its underlying pathophysiology continues to be elusive as a result of the disease’s complexity.
