'Huge disappointment' as Parkinson's drug fails

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Wednesday 20 Feb 2013 4:53 AM

Michael J Fox

A major disappointment has been announced with the failure of Cogane as a drug to treat Parkinsons disease.

Millions of pounds have gone into the development of the new treatment by Huntingdon-based Phytopharm, but results from a clinical trial have shown there was no improvement in the condition of Parkinsons patients taking part.

There was great hope that Cogane could open a new treatment path for the disease, and early work on the drug was funded by The Michael J Fox Foundation, set up by the actor for Parkinsons research.

Roger Hickling, research and development director, told the News that the company would now have to take a long hard look at Cogane, which is also being developed to treat both Alzheimers and motor neurone diseases, although Parkinsons was the programme which was furthest ahead.

It is hugely disappointing, he said, and the proof of possibility is going to be a much higher hurdle to cross for Alzheimers and motor neurone disease now that Cogane has failed in Parkinsons.

He added that the Parkinsons programme was the companys major asset.

Phytopharm is based on the Ermine Business Park and employs 13 people.

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'Huge disappointment' as Parkinson's drug fails