Funding boost for promising treatment
Herantis Pharma Plc to receive almost £7 million from the European Union for a phase 2 trial of HER-096 that has the potential to slow or stop Parkinson’s.
Late last year we shared the exciting news that HER-096, a potential new Parkinson's treatment, showed promising phase 1 trial results. It’s safe, well-tolerated, and effective in reaching the brain in people with Parkinson's.
The company leading this research, Herantis, has now received a large grant to support them in taking the crucial next step to trial the promising treatment in a larger trial. The phase 2 trial will gather evidence on whether the potential treatment can slow or stop the progression of the condition.
The company is now preparing for the trial and hope to start it as soon as possible.
Read more about HER-096 and the phase 1 trial results in our previous research news story.
Collaborating to get results faster
We funded the phase 1 trial through the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech, in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, where Michael J. Fox Foundation contributed funds too.
This collaboration has now enabled Herantis Pharma to successfully win almost £7 million through the European Union’s Horizon research programme.
Horizon Europe is the world’s largest research and innovation programme, providing funding to address some of the greatest global challenges. In this case, the grant is about supporting innovative treatments through clinical trials to get them into the hands of patients as fast as possible.
More information on the Horizon Europe Health initiative can be found on the Innovate UK website.
Why are we excited about this news?
Dr Lynsey Bilsland, our Managing Director of the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech, said:
"Our investment through the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech aims to support biotech companies in generating the evidence they need to demonstrate the potential of their drugs, attract further funding and keep life-changing ideas moving forward. That is exactly what’s happening here.
"It’s fantastic to see Herantis’ potential treatment maintaining momentum and making progress towards the next stage of trials.
"While our active investment in this project has concluded, we’re excited to see how this research develops as we know how important this research could be for people with Parkinson’s who deserve better treatments."
Antti Vuolanto, CEO of Herantis Pharma, said:
"We are absolutely delighted. This grant will make a meaningful contribution to the funding of our phase 2 proof-of-concept study for HER-096, the resourcing of which we are continuing to discuss with potential investors and strategic partners. Being selected from a highly competitive field of innovative European companies further validates our scientific approach and underscores the potential of HER-096 to improve outcomes for people living with Parkinson’s."
HER-096 is based on the promise of growth factors as a way to slow or stop Parkinson's. But what are growth factors and what trials are underway to explore their potential to stop, slow or reverse Parkinson’s?
While the HER-096 clinical trial is not yet ready to recruit participants, there are still plenty of research studies that you can take part in and make a difference today. Be the first to know about opportunities in your area by joining our free Research Support Network.
You can help fund groundbreaking research where the results won't just be seen in the lab. They'll be seen in life-changing breakthroughs for people with Parkinson's.