General background
At MODAG, we are committed to developing innovative drugs that have the potential to positively influence the course of Parkinson’s disease and MSA. Our drug candidate emrusolmin (anle138b) is currently in clinical trials.
The results so far are encouraging, but it is important to emphasize that we are still at an early stage of development. Our goal is to develop a first disease-modifying therapy that not only alleviates the symptoms but also slows down or even completely stops the progression of the disease.
A disease-modifying therapy is a treatment that aims to actively change the course of a disease.
In the case of neurodegenerative diseases, the aim is to slow down the progressive deterioration.
In contrast to previous therapies, which only alleviate the symptoms, a disease-modifying therapy aims to address the underlying causes of the disease.
In the case of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or MSA, this could mean that the therapy can influence the progression of the disease and thus improve the patient’s quality of life in the long term.
Neurodegenerative diseases are diseases in which nerve cells in the brain are increasingly damaged and die. This can lead to problems with movement, memory and other important functions.
Questions about MSA and Parkinson’s disease
Multisystem atrophy (MSA) is a rarer but more rapidly progressing neurodegenerative disease than Parkinson’s disease. In MSA, nerve cells die in several areas of the brain at the same time, leading to a combination of symptoms:
- Parkinson’s-like movement disorders
- Problems with coordination of movements and balance
- Disorders of the autonomic nervous system (e.g. blood pressure, digestion)
Parkinson’s is a common neurodegenerative disease in which certain nerve cells in the brain that produce the important neurotransmitter dopamine die off. This leads to typical symptoms such as
- Slowed movements
- Stiff muscles
- Trembling, especially at rest
- Balance problems
Parkinson’s usually develops gradually over years. In Germany, around 250,000 to 400,000 people are affected
The diagnosis is usually made by a neurologist, who takes a detailed medical history and carries out various tests, such as neurological examinations and imaging procedures (CT or MRI).
Questions about treatment
The treating neurologist can create an individualized treatment plan tailored to the patient’s specific needs. This plan may include various treatment options:
- Drug therapy: Drugs such as levodopa can help to compensate for the lack of dopamine and improve movement symptoms. There are also effective medications to alleviate vegetative symptoms caused by blood pressure fluctuations, for example.
- Physiotherapy: Regular exercises to improve mobility and balance.
- Occupational therapy: Supports the management of everyday activities and adaptation of the living environment.
- Speech therapy: Helps with speech and swallowing problems.
There is currently no cure for these diseases. However, there are treatment approaches that can help to alleviate the symptoms and improve quality of life.
Questions about clinical studies
We understand your interest in our clinical trials and appreciate your desire to contribute to research. However, MODAG is not directly involved in the recruitment of study participants. Participants are selected and supervised by independent research institutions and clinics. As a pharmaceutical company, we have no direct influence on the selection of participants. At the same time, there are strict regulatory and legal requirements that we must adhere to. This is the only way to guarantee the independence and objectivity of the research.
If you are interested in participating, we recommend that you speak to your doctor or neurologist. They can inform you about ongoing studies and check whether there is a possibility of participation.
You can also obtain information online here:
If you are interested in participating, we recommend that you speak to your treating doctor or neurologist. They can inform you about ongoing studies and check whether you are eligible for participation.
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May 13, 2022