Harbor BioSciences believes Triolex may decrease chronic inflammation in the brain, thereby protecting neurons whose loss would otherwise lead to the damage associated with PD. This belief is based on several factors: the company's previously reported data regarding the anti-inflammatory effects of Triolex in human clinical studies; attenuation of neuroinflammation in rodent models; and the extensive literature describing the benefits of related natural compounds in both humans and animal PD models. To date, Triolex has been well tolerated when administered to more than 180 people with type 2 diabetes and healthy volunteers.

"It is a privilege to be collaborating with MJFF to assess the potential benefits of Triolex in patients suffering from PD," commented James M. Frincke, Harbor BioSciences' Chief Executive Officer. "If Triolex demonstrates an effect on regulating key inflammatory cytokines in PD patients similar to that observed in animal models and in type 2 diabetes patients, it should provide an entirely new approach to the treatment of this debilitating disease. We are also hopeful that if Triolex is able to reduce neuro-inflammation and protect neurons in PD, it may also be useful in other inflammation-driven neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis."

"I'm very encouraged by this new data and pleased to be working with MJFF," said Dominick L. Auci, Ph.D., lead investigator on the project. "The consistent performance of Triolex in animal models of neuro-inflammation, combined with published studies from other groups, suggests a high likelihood of success. Milestones in the first year include efficacy in various rodent models. Non-human primate studies are planned for the following years. If positive, these studies will enable accelerated Phase I/II studies in PD patients since Triolex is already in an advanced stage of clinical development for other indications." 

Source: Harbor BioSciences, Inc