Oncodesign Precision Medicine (OPM) has regained full rights to its Parkinson’s disease treatment program, OPM-201, after Servier Laboratories shifted its neurological focus to rare diseases. A Phase 1 study on healthy volunteers recently concluded, confirming OPM-201’s safety, with final results anticipated in Q2 2025. OPM plans to continue developing the program internally until a new partner for later-stage clinical trials is secured.
This development is crucial because it allows OPM to retain control over a promising asset targeting a significant unmet medical need. Parkinson’s disease affects a substantial and growing patient population lacking disease-modifying therapies. OPM-201, an LRRK2 kinase inhibitor, offers the potential to alter the disease’s progression, rather than just managing symptoms. This positions OPM to attract partners specifically interested in neurodegenerative diseases and strengthens its pipeline beyond its current focus on oncology and immuno-inflammatory diseases.
The OPM-201 program has a history of successful collaborations. Initially developed with Ipsen, the program progressed to the “advanced lead” stage before returning to Oncodesign due to Ipsen’s strategic shift. Subsequently, Servier partnered on the project, leading to the identification of a drug candidate in 2022 and the completion of preclinical and chemistry, manufacturing, and control (CMC) development. The recent Phase 1 trial demonstrated good tolerability and promising target engagement. This positive data, along with the “best-in-class” potential of OPM-201, enhances its attractiveness to potential partners.
This reacquisition positions OPM to maximize the value of OPM-201. By leading the program’s development through the next stages, OPM can generate further compelling data and attract partnerships with companies focused on neurodegenerative diseases. This strategic move diversifies OPM’s pipeline, strengthens its position in a growing therapeutic area, and allows it to control the development timeline for a potential breakthrough Parkinson’s disease treatment. The pursuit of a new partnership will be critical to advance OPM-201 through the costly later-stage clinical trials and ultimately bring this promising therapy to patients.
Jon Napitupulu is Director of Media Relations at The Clinical Trial Vanguard. Jon, a computer data scientist, focuses on the latest clinical trial industry news and trends.