Aspen raises $141 million to advance a cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease

Aspen raises $141 million to advance a cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease

U.S. biotechnology company Aspen Neuroscience has raised about $141 million through an IPO. Much of the funding is expected to support further clinical development of its Parkinson’s cell therapy, sasineprocel.

In Parkinson’s disease, dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain gradually deteriorate. This can lead to problems with walking, speaking and carrying out everyday activities.

Current treatments such as levodopa mainly help control symptoms, but they do not replace the neurons that have been lost.

How does sasineprocel work?

Doctors collect skin cells from the patient, reprogram them and turn them into precursor cells that can later mature into dopamine-producing neurons after being introduced back into the patient.

The aim is not only to relieve symptoms, but potentially to replace some of the lost dopamine-producing cells and slow or halt disease progression.

Sasineprocel is currently being tested in a Phase 1/2a clinical trial. Early data have suggested a favorable safety profile and possible improvements in patient function.

Why does this matter? If the approach proves safe and effective, it could offer a new way to treat Parkinson’s disease by targeting the underlying loss of dopamine-producing cells, rather than only managing symptoms.

Source: BioPharma Dive / Aspen Neuroscience