Pfizer launches new biopharmaceutical company to develop Parkinson’s drugs

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Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 7 November 2018

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Pharmaceutical company Pfizer has teamed with investment firm Bain Capital to launch Cerevel Therapeutics – a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing drugs for Parkinson’s and other central nervous system conditions.

The new company – which will receive US $350 million of investment from Bain Capital – will begin working on phase three clinical trials on a Parkinson’s drug designed to increase levels of dopamine in the brain. Cerevel will also continue to develop several of Pfizer’s drug programmes which closed earlier this year.

Marco Baptista, director of research programmes at The Michael J Fox Foundation – which has partnered with Pfizer since 2010 – said: “This is welcome news for Parkinson’s patients and researchers. Pfizer had developed a diverse group of novel therapeutics for Parkinson’s disease, which are now going to get another chance at success. MJFF looks forward to partnering with Cerevel to support the advancement of these promising programs.”

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For more information on Parkinson’s treatments please visit the EPDA website

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Researchers at a German university have found that using a treadmill may improve gait in people with Parkinson’s. As part of the study – published in medical journal ‘Human Movement Science’ – 38 participants living with the condition completed 40 minutes of treadmill training twice a week for a period of eight weeks. Of that group, 18 varied the surface incline on the treadmill while the other 20 did not. While the results showed improved gait in both training groups, those that varied the incline saw significant improvement in stride length, stance and walking speed. The researchers, based at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany said: “[Parkinson’s disease] patients demonstrated marked gait adaptations to the eight-week treadmill intervention, which were partially retained after three months follow-up”.

EPDA signs new charter on workplace rights

The European Parkinson’s Disease Association (EPDA) has signed the Dying to Work Charter – a pledge protecting the workplace rights of people with serious conditions. The charter – part of the Trade Union Congress’ wider Dying to Work campaign – has so far protected over half a million workers in the UK. The Dying to Work campaign group, chaired by MEP Rory Palmer, is calling on the European Union to amend its current legislation. The campaign is asking for serious conditions to be identified as a ‘protected characteristic’ – meaning employees would enjoy a protected period after diagnosis which would ensure the couldn’t be unfairly dismissed. Russell Patten, secretary general at the EPDA, said: “At the EPDA, we are committed to improving employment conditions, reducing stigma and ensuring accessibility to essential services for all people with Parkinson’s disease.” Image: Rory Palmer MEP (left) and Russell Patten, secretary general at the EPDA…

New wearable device could counteract gait

Scientists at the National University of Ireland Galway have created a wearable device that they believe will help people with Parkinson’s to walk more easily. The device, named cueStim, is worn around the waist and delivers fixed rhythmic sensory stimulation to the wearer. This will counteract ‘freezing of gait’ symptoms that are often experienced by people living with the condition. The scientists collaborated with professionals from UK medical board NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde to test the device, and found that it significantly reduced the time taken for a person with Parkinson’s to complete walking tasks. Gearóid Ó Laighin, professor of electrical engineering at NUI Galway, said: “We are now seeking additional clinical partners to work with NUI Galway in carrying out a comprehensive long-term clinical evaluation of cueStim in enhancing the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s disease through a funded programme of research.”

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Pfizer launches new biopharmaceutical company to develop Parkinson’s drugs

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 7 November 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Michael J Fox Foundation pledges £100,000 for Parkinson’s app

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Could treadmill training improve Parkinson’s symptoms?

EPDA signs new charter on workplace rights

New wearable device could counteract gait

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Pfizer launches new biopharmaceutical company to develop Parkinson’s drugs

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 7 November 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Young-onset daily vlogging duo reach 100th day

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Michael J Fox Foundation pledges £100,000 for Parkinson’s app

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Billy Connolly “overjoyed” by Glasgow murals

Could treadmill training improve Parkinson’s symptoms?

EPDA signs new charter on workplace rights

New wearable device could counteract gait

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