Phase 2 trial of bezisterim in newly diagnosed patients to start soon

BioVie will launch the Phase 2 SUNRISE-PD trial in early 2025 to test bezisterim as a first-line, stand-alone treatment for newly diagnosed Parkinson’s disease patients. The company has secured over $15 million for the trial, with results expected by late next year. Bezisterim targets neuroinflammation and brain insulin resistance—two factors believed to play key roles in Parkinson’s progression, where dopamine-producing cells are gradually lost. In an earlier trial, bezisterim showed promise in reducing both motor and nonmotor symptoms, particularly in younger patients. In the upcoming Phase 2 trial, 60 newly diagnosed patients will take either 20 mg of bezisterim or a placebo twice daily for about three months. Participants may choose home-based or clinic-based participation, with remote support from neurologists and nurses.