GlaxoSmithKline and Impax report positive Parkinson’s drug trial data

GlaxoSmithKline and partner Impax Pharmaceuticals have reported positive clinical trial data from a new phase III study of the developmental Parkinson's disease drug IPX066.

During the Ascend-PD trial, the new therapy was able to deliver statistically significant improvements compared to carbidopa-levodopa in treating motor symptoms related to the condition.

This was consistent with earlier positive study findings for the compound, with secondary endpoint data supporting the conclusion of the primary endpoint.

Results from this study will help to support GlaxoSmithKline's efforts to seek European regulatory approval for the condition in 2012, while Impax will handle the US application.

Dr Suneel Gupta, Impax Pharmaceuticals' chief scientific officer, said: "This study demonstrates that IPX066 provides efficacy across a range of clinically meaningful measures in advanced Parkinson's disease."

Earlier this month, GlaxoSmithKline announced that it will be entering into a new alliance with Unigene on the development of a new treatment for osteoporosis.