Anavex Life Sciences has reported encouraging findings from the extended phase 2
study of its investigational drug, ANAVEX2-73, also known as blarcamesine, in
patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD). This open-label
extension study demonstrated the drug’s potential to provide significant
clinical benefits over a 48-week period despite previous interruptions caused
by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study,
identified as ANAVEX2-73-PDD-EP-001, revealed that participants experienced
meaningful improvements in clinical symptoms such as motor and cognitive
functions. Specifically, enhancements were observed in the Movement Disorder
Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) and the Clinical
Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scores. These results underscore the
potential of ANAVEX2-73 to address the pressing treatment needs for PDD, a
condition with limited therapeutic options.

During the study,
patients who resumed treatment after a “drug holiday” exhibited
sustained improvements, suggesting ANAVEX2-73’s capability to not only slow
disease progression but possibly reverse some symptoms. Anavex Life Sciences
highlighted these findings while acknowledging the limitations of the study,
notably its small sample size and delayed onset, which necessitate cautious
interpretation of the results.

Additionally, the
drug was well-tolerated, showing no adverse effects on sleep, an important
consideration for those with PDD. Anavex’s therapeutic efficacy was further supported by biomarker correlation
studies indicating that ANAVEX2-73 might restore dysregulated neurodegenerative
gene expressions.

Moving forward, Anavex plans to use these insights in a forthcoming six-month study to further
explore ANAVEX2-73’s potential benefits for Parkinson’s patients. The company’s
commitment to advancing this promising treatment reflects its dedication to
addressing unmet medical needs in neurodegenerative disorders, a critical area
of focus for Anavex Life Sciences.

Refer to this article for related information.

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