Genentech’s Prasinezumab Shows Potential In Early-Stage Parkinson’s Treatment In Phase IIb Trial

Genentech, a Roche Group member, has recently shared findings from the Phase IIb PADOVA trial. This trial evaluated prasinezumab in 586 individuals with early-stage Parkinson’s disease. Participants were treated for at least 18 months while maintaining stable symptomatic therapy. Prasinezumab demonstrated potential clinical benefits, particularly in delaying motor progression, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.84, though it primarily missed statistical significance. In a pre-specified analysis, the effect was more pronounced among participants receiving levodopa with an HR of 0.79. Positive trends were also observed across several secondary and exploratory measures. 

“Parkinson’s is complex and devastating with no disease-modifying treatment options available for the millions of people impacted. We believe the consistent efficacy trends from the Phase IIb study of prasinezumab merit further exploration. We will continue our close collaboration with the Parkinson’s community as we further evaluate the data to determine the next steps,” said Levi Garraway, M.D., PhD, chief medical officer and head of Global Product Development.

The treatment was well-tolerated, with no new safety concerns reported. Both the Phase II PASADENA and Phase IIb PADOVA open-label extension studies will continue to investigate these findings further. Roche and Genentech are working closely with health authorities to assess the data and determine the next steps. Detailed results from the PADOVA study will be presented at an upcoming medical conference.