Cognitive function.
concept of creative thinking or machine learning, graphic of brain combined with maze pattern

Research into new potential therapies for people with Parkinson’s is complex, which means that not all clinical trials will successfully move on to the next phase.

This proved to be the case for US biotech company Aptinyx, which announced that it will halt further development work on an investigational therapy following “disappointing” results in the second phase of its study.

The research had set out to examine the effect of NYX-458 – an oral therapy created to modulate the activity of receptors in the brain that are responsible for communication between neurons. The aim of the therapy was to improve cognition in people with cognitive impairment linked to Parkinson’s or Lewy body dementia. Yet, when compared to a placebo, the therapy didn’t demonstrate “meaningful improvements” in cognitive function.

Dr Andy Kidd, president and CEO at Aptinyx, said: “We are very disappointed that the results of this Phase 2 study did not validate the therapeutic potential observed previously in preclinical studies of NYX-458 in models of cognitive impairment.”