Biogen Idec announces initiation of Parkinson’s drug trial

Biogen Idec and Vernalis have announced the start of phase II clinical trials of BII0140/V2006 as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease.

In the first trial of the compound, patients will be administered with the drug in addition to their standard L-dopa treatment, while the second study will see patients in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease using BIIB014 as a monotherapy.

The primary endpoint of both trials is an examination of the safety and tolerability of the compound, with a secondary endpoint of the evaluation of motor function in patients following treatment.

BIIB014 is an orally-administered adenosine A2A receptor antagonist with potential uses as a non-dopaminergic treatment for Parkinson’s disease patients.

Alfred Sandrok, senior vice-president of neurology research and development at Biogen Idec, said: “We are pleased with the advancement of this program, which is part of Biogen Idec’s effort to extend our research and development capabilities beyond multiple sclerosis and into other neurological diseases.”

Biogen Idec is responsible for the development of the compound, following the successful completion of phase I trials by Vernalis, while the commencement of phase II studies resulted in Biogen Idec paying Vernalis a $3 million (1.5 million pound) milestone payment.

In October 2006, Biogen Idec announced an agreement to jointly develop and market CDP323 with UCB as a treatment for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.