LEAD COMPOUND PPI-1011
A reduction in plasmalogens has also been demonstrated in Parkinson's disease patients. Plasmalogens are critical components of the cell membrane of brain cells, playing an essential role in vesicular fusion required for the release of dopamine from presynaptic neurons.
The most effective symptomatic treatment of Parkinson's disease is the drug L-DOPA (Levodopa), used to increase dopamine levels. Despite its widespread use, the majority of patients develop involuntary muscle movements called dyskinesias after 5-10 years of treatment.
Pre-treatment with PPI-1011 prevented the onset of the parkinsonian phenotype, while treatment after the onset of Parkinson’s disease in animals restored plasmalogen and neurotransmitter levels to normal
PPI-1011 treatment also prevented the onset and reduced severity of L-DOPA induced dyskinesias in a non-human primate model. The results support plasmalogen augmentation as a novel pharmacological treatment for prolonging the therapeutic window of L-DOPA.
For more references relating to PPI-1011 efficacy in Parkinson’s disease, see our other publications: Behavioural Brain Research 337 (2018) 183–185, Behavioural Brain Research 286 (2015) 328–337, Brain Research 1674 (2017) 70–76, PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0151020 March 9, 2016, Brain Research 1725 (2019) 146460,
PPI-1011 is currently undergoing GMP manufacturing in preparation for IND safety/pharmacology studies. Early-stage efficacy studies are currently being planned. For more information, or to become involved in our Parkinson’s program, contact us here.