Parkinson's Disease | Anavex Life Sciences

Parkinson’s Disease

Advancing groundbreaking therapies to tackle the challenges of neurodegenerative and rare conditions.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and coordination. It is primarily caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement.

On a Deeper Level

Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative condition that develops gradually, often starting with mild symptoms such as a tremor in one hand. Over time, the condition progresses, impairing motor function and contributing to non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. The hallmark feature of PD is the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, a region of the brain responsible for regulating movement. While the exact cause of Parkinson’s is not fully understood, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Exposure to toxins, a family history of PD, and certain genetic mutations can increase the risk of developing the condition. Though Parkinson’s is not curable, early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Signs & Symptoms

The symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease are diverse and typically include:

Tremors: Involuntary shaking, often starting in the hands or fingers.
Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement, making simple tasks more difficult and time-consuming.
Rigidity: Stiff muscles, which can limit range of motion and cause discomfort.
Postural instability: Difficulty with balance, increasing the risk of falls.
Non-motor symptoms: Depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairments.

These symptoms can vary in severity and progression, significantly affecting daily living.

How many are affected by this condition?

Prevalence

Parkinson’s Disease affects approximately 1 million people in the United States and more than 10 million individuals worldwide. The condition is more common in men than women, and the risk increases with age. By 2040, the number of people diagnosed with PD is expected to double due to an aging population.

Insights and Data

Parkinson’s Disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s Disease, affecting over 10 million people globally (Parkinson’s Foundation, 2024).
Approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with PD each year, and this number is expected to rise (NIH, 2024).
The economic cost of Parkinson’s in the U.S. is estimated at $52 billion annually, including medical expenses and lost productivity (Parkinson’s Foundation, 2024).

Our Approach

Anavex’s approach to Parkinson’s Disease focuses on the restoration of cellular homeostasis through SIGMAR1 activation. This innovative mechanism addresses the root causes of neuronal degeneration, aiming to slow disease progression, improve motor function, and alleviate non-motor symptoms. Our strategy emphasizes early intervention to maximize therapeutic benefits and improve the quality of life for individuals living with PD.

Clinical Progress

Anavex’s therapeutic candidate, ANAVEX®2-73 (blarcamesine), is being studied for its potential to slow the progression of Parkinson’s Disease. By activating the sigma-1 receptor (SIGMAR1), ANAVEX®2-73 aims to protect neurons, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance cellular function. Early clinical results have shown promise, paving the way for further trials to validate its efficacy in improving motor and non-motor symptoms.

PRECLINICAL

PHASE 1

PHASE 2

PHASE 3

ANAVEX® 2-73 (Blarcamesine)

An investigational therapy being studied for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Rett syndrome.

Learn more

ANAVEX® 2-73-PD-001