Funding of $96.5 Million in Series D secured by Neuron23 for the advancement of neurological and immunological medications.

The NEULARK clinical trial, a significant step forward in the pursuit of effective treatments for Parkinson's disease (PD), has officially commenced. This trial, led by clinical-stage biotechnology company Neuron23, employs a precision medicine approach to identify and enroll patients with LRRK2-driven PD.

Neuron23's approach leverages state-of-the-art precision medicine and patient identification, collaborating with Sano Genetics to streamline patient referrals and assist in the identification of people with PD who may be eligible to participate in the NEULARK clinical trial. Sano Genetics offers saliva test kits that can identify individuals with LRRK2-driven PD, and those identified will be referred to the nearest NEULARK clinical trial site for a complete eligibility evaluation and potential enrollment.

The trial's design incorporates a unique digital biomarker to frequently monitor disease progression. A smartphone equipped with proprietary software developed by Roche Information Solutions (RIS) is used to measure PD symptoms and non-motor symptoms. This innovative approach captures exceptionally precise, real-time data on both motor and non-motor symptoms.

The primary endpoint of the trial is the change from baseline in the Roche digital biomarker score compared to placebo. The secondary outcome measures include the Movement Disorder Society's Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS). The trial will evaluate the efficacy, safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of orally administered NEU-411 over a one-year treatment period.

The aim is to deliver NEU-411, a LRRK2 inhibitor, to individuals with Parkinson's disease who are most likely to benefit from LRRK2 inhibition. The first patient has been dosed, marking a pivotal milestone in Parkinson's disease research.

The NEULARK clinical trial (NCT06680830) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving approximately 150 participants. The trial's success could bring hope to millions of individuals affected by PD worldwide.

The Series D financing, led by a healthcare investor with significant support from Westlake Village BioPartners, SoftBank Vision Fund 2, Redmile Group, Blue Owl, Kleiner Perkins, HBM Healthcare Investments, and Acorn Bioventures, serves as further endorsement of Neuron23's industry-leading approach.

Dr. Aaron Ellenbogen, a movement disorders neurologist and NEULARK study investigator, believes this approach offers unparalleled insights into how the disease evolves. The NEULARK trial, with its innovative design and cutting-edge technology, is poised to take a significant step forward in the pursuit of effective treatments for Parkinson's disease.

Funding of $96.5 Million in Series D secured by Neuron23 for the advancement of neurological and immunological medications.