Over the past two decades, biotech companies and clinicians have tried to develop a cure for Parkinson's disease based on Glial cell line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF), a naturally occurring factor promoting the growth of dopamine neurons. Some clinical results were stunning, with patients experiencing a spectacular improvement in their symptoms and a return to 'normal' life. However, delivery of GDNF has been a major challenge. As it cannot be absorbed orally, a variety of delivery methods have been tested including direct pumping into the brain, intranasal delivery and gene therapy. Newly formed Mavalon Therapeutics is developing the first orally available small molecule able to induce GDNF production within the brain of Parkinson's patients, a treatment that will bring benefits to a larger population than the current intra-brain delivery of GDNF.

Domain Therapeutics and Medicxi partner to launch Mavalon Therapeutics

This New Biotech wants to Regrow Neurons to cure Parkinson's