Sweden-based IRLAB Therapeutics has shared positive phase 1 data for its once daily oral tablet designed to treat apathy in Parkinson’s and other neurological disorders.
The drug has the potential to become the first treatment for apathy in neurological disorders. The prevalence of apathy in patients with neurodegenerative diseases is high, occurring in 20–70% of people with Parkinson’s and 20–90% of people with disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, according to IRLAB.
IRLAB's recent study demonstrated that IRL757 is well absorbed, provides good exposure in the body and has a good tolerability and safety profile. The company says it will now proceed with the second part of the study, in which the study participants will receive multiple ascending doses. The study is expected to be fully completed in 2024.
Back in May, IRLAB inked a collaboration with Otsuka's MSRD to further develop IRL757. The partners will jointly design studies and activities, which IRLAB conducts while MSRD/Otsuka funds the project through proof-of-concept in selected larger patient populations. Per the deal, IRLAB is eligible to receive $3 million upfront from Otsuka, and up to an additional $5.5 million in milestones.