In 2002 H Lundbeck A/S announced that the candidate drug CEP-1347, a kinase inhibitor (inhibits activation of mixed lineage kinases, MLKs), entered the largest Phase II and III clinical trials as a new neuroprotective compound. The candidate CEP-1347/Lu 02-648 is being tested to determine if it is effective in delaying the disabilities due to the advancement of PD through programmed cell death (apoptosis). This will be the first drug to block the advancement of the disease; all other PD drugs focus on treating the symptoms of the disease.
To date, CEP-1347/Lu 02-648 has prevented neuron cell death in vitro and prevented neuronal degeneration in animals with PD. The drug is being co-developed by Cephalon, Inc.
Click here to read a June 13, 2004, New York Times article about CEP-1347 and its projected use to slow Parkinson's.
