Herantis Pharma announced that a pipeline therapy known as cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) has been granted Orphan Drug Status by the FDA to speed its development and testing as a potential treatment for ALS and Parkinson’s disease. CDNF is a neuroprotective and neurotrophic protein that has shown potential for the regeneration and protection of dopamine-generating neurons, cells involved in Parkinson’s pathology.

This is a very interesting treatment as it appears to be conceptually similar to Genervon's GM6 (MNTF), which had successful Phase 2a trials with both PD and ALS patients. Unfortunately, Genervon is under-funded and is moving slowly with a larger Phase 2 trial. They are concentrating at this time on getting approval as an ALS treatment.

Potential Treatment for ALS Marked by FDA for Speedy Development