Anavex Life Sciences, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical
company, has released encouraging data from its 48-week Phase 2 extension study
on ANAVEX®2-73 (blarcamesine) for Parkinson’s disease dementia. The study
demonstrated significant clinical benefits, achieving both primary and secondary objectives. 

ANAVEX®2-73 is an oral small-molecule activator of the sigma-1 receptor (SIGMAR1), which has
shown potential in restoring neural cell homeostasis and promoting
neuroplasticity. The recent study included 48 weeks of treatment, with patients
showing consistent improvement in clinical symptoms, according to a variety of efficacy endpoints. 

The Phase 2 extension study assessed safety, tolerability, and efficacy, using metrics such
as the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale
(MDS-UPDRS), REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Screening Questionnaire (RBDSQ), and
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Importantly, ANAVEX®2-73 was found to be
generally safe and well-tolerated. 

According to Anavex, in the double-blind Phase 2 study, ANAVEX®2-73 treatment resulted in
statistically significant improvements compared to placebo. Patients on the
high dose of ANAVEX®2-73 reported a notable decrease in MDS-UPDRS Total scores,
illustrating the drug’s potential in ameliorating Parkinson’s disease symptoms. 

Due to pandemic-related delays, the extension phase began approximately 41 weeks after
the double-blind phase, creating a ‘drug holiday’ period. Despite this gap,
patients exhibited noticeable improvements upon resuming ANAVEX®2-73 treatment
in the extension phase. 

At the request of participants, treatment with Anavex is continuing beyond
the 48-week study through a compassionate use program. This long-term treatment
option underscores the drug’s potential to meet an urgent unmet need in
Parkinson’s disease management. 

Anavex Life Sciences continues to advance its clinical programs for neurodegenerative and
neurodevelopmental disorders. With promising results from the ANAVEX®2-73
studies, the company plans to proceed to a pivotal trial, further underscoring
its commitment to developing innovative treatments for CNS disorders. Visit this page on LinkedIn, to learn more. 

More about Anavex on https://www.cnn.com/markets/stocks/AVXL