Parkinson's UK invests in developing potential new drug with Acurex Biosciences

Parkinson’s UK is making a significant investment of £1.6 million through its Virtual Biotech programme to advance the development of a promising new molecule, CU-13001, which has the potential to become a groundbreaking treatment that could slow or halt the progression of Parkinson’s disease. In collaboration with the U.S.-based company Acurex Biosciences, this funding will support the final stages of testing and development of CU-13001, paving the way for its transition into clinical trials. What is CU-13001? CU-13001 is a molecule that has demonstrated significant potential in laboratory tests for protecting the brain cells that are typically lost in Parkinson’s disease. It specifically targets an enzyme known as 15-lipoxygenase, which recent research suggests plays a crucial role in the death of dopamine-producing cells—a hallmark of Parkinson’s. Mark Kaufmann, CEO of Acurex Biosciences, elaborates on the significance of this target: “We are beginning to understand that 4-HNE, a toxic byproduct of lipid metabolism, might be a central cause of Parkinson’s. Inhibitors of 15-lipoxygenase could stop the production of 4-HNE and potentially halt the disease. We aim to test this hypothesis in human trials soon, and partnering with Parkinson’s UK is a critical step in this process.” The Path Forward for CU-13001 The team at Acurex has successfully developed CU-13001 with the necessary properties to penetrate the brain and protect its cells. However, before it can be administered to patients, essential preclinical tests are required to meet regulatory standards. These tests will evaluate potential side effects, interactions with other common medications, and how the molecule is distributed and metabolized within the body. According to regulatory guidelines, new drugs must be tested for safety in two animal species—a rodent (rat or mouse) and a non-rodent (such as a dog, pig, or non-human primate)—before progressing to human trials. If these tests are successful, CU-13001 will be ready to enter clinical trials, marking a significant milestone in the development of a potentially life-changing treatment for Parkinson’s. A Promising New Approach to Parkinson’s Treatment Arthur Roach, Virtual Biotech Director at Parkinson’s UK, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Acurex Biosciences: “We’re delighted to partner with Acurex Biosciences to accelerate this exciting new potential treatment for Parkinson’s through our pioneering Virtual Biotech programme. "CU-13001 targets a novel mechanism for Parkinson’s and represents an exciting new approach to slowing or stopping the death of brain cells in the condition. "This is what we created the Virtual Biotech programme to do—apply support from the Parkinson’s community to accelerate bold new research and create potentially life-changing therapies. We look forward to working with Acurex to advance CU-13001 towards clinical trials.” This collaboration highlights the critical role of Parkinson’s UK’s Virtual Biotech programme in fostering innovative research and accelerating the development of new treatments for those living with Parkinson’s disease.