AstraZeneca and Takeda to develop new Parkinson’s disease therapy

AstraZeneca has announced a new drug development collaboration with Takeda focusing on a promising new therapy for Parkinson's disease.

The companies have agreed to jointly develop and commercialise MEDI1341, an alpha-synuclein antibody currently in development as a potential treatment for Parkinson's, and which is due to commence phase I testing later this year.

Alpha-synuclein is an aggregation-prone protein that contributes to the development of Parkinson's, meaning it represents a promising target for potentially preventing or delaying the onset of the disease, or halting or slowing its progression.

MEDI1341 is characterised by a high affinity, high selectivity and reduced effector function, meaning it is expected to achieve a better efficacy and safety profile than other alpha-synuclein antibodies.

Mene Pangalos, executive vice-president for AstraZeneca's innovative medicines and early development biotech unit, said: "By combining our scientific expertise and sharing the risks and cost of development, we hope to accelerate the advancement of MEDI1341 as a promising new approach to support the treatment of people with Parkinson's disease around the world."

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