This year marked the 40^th annual International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases (AD/PD), held from April 1-5 in Vienna, Austria. Prothenians attended the conference, joining experts from around the globe who are dedicated to advancing the science and therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. The conference was a hub of innovation, focusing on the latest research in mechanisms of disease, prevention, and therapy, and showcasing the latest breakthroughs in treatment, translational R&D, early diagnosis, drug development and clinical trials.

During the congress, Prothenians took part in a forum discussion, presented the latest data on Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers, and met with patient advocacy groups and other key stakeholders.

The energy at the conference was contagious, reflecting an important time in the research of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Donna Masterman, Vice President, Medical Affairs, Neuroscience Lead, had the following to say about being at AD/PD this year:

“Attending the AD/PD conference again this year continues to reinforce the need for collaboration for true innovation in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases. It is inspiring to see how Prothena takes part in that joint spirit and continues to contribute to the collective progress made in both research and therapeutic development for these devastating diseases. I am grateful to play a small part in that.”

Jiri Aubrecht, Head of Clinical Biomarkers, delivered an insightful oral presentation on retrospective analyses from the PRX012 ASCENT 2 baseline blood biomarker data to support the utility of biomarkers to predict ABeta positivity. Titled, “Accuracy of Plasma Biomarkers for Detecting Amyloid Beta Deposits in Participants With Alzheimer’s Disease in ASCENT-2 Clinical Trial of PRX012,” the presentation discussed the role of plasma biomarkers in predicting Aβ positivity by PET in patients with Alzheimer’s disease as well as the potential impact on pre-screening for clinical trials. We look forward to sharing results from our ongoing Phase 1 ASCENT clinical trials evaluating PRX012 in early Alzheimer’s patients later this year.

Additionally, Chad Swanson, Chief Development Officer, took part in a forum discussion on improving the therapeutic potential of immunotherapies in Alzheimer’s disease. The discussion touched on the current progress in the field and explored how novel strategies could potentially improve upon the existing options and challenges facing adoption today. Throughout the discussion, several panelists highlighted the promise of approaches such as earlier intervention, combining anti-Aβ and anti-tau mechanisms, and vaccines. Chad was able to speak to how Prothena’s PRX123 vaccine encompasses each of those strategies in one program.

Our partner Roche shared the first results from the Phase 2b PADOVA clinical trial on prasinezumab for early-stage Parkinson’s disease. While the study missed its primary endpoint (p=0.0657), the totality of data suggests possible benefit in early-stage Parkinson’s disease. Prasinezumab showed potential clinical efficacy in the primary endpoint of time to confirmed motor progression while consistent positive trends were also observed across multiple secondary and exploratory clinical endpoints, in addition to a potential biological effect of prasinezumab on putative MRI biomarkers.

All in all, this year’s AD/PD conference built upon the momentum we feel each day working at Prothena. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the greater scientific community to advance programs that address neurological diseases affecting millions of people and their families around the world. Karen Ross, Senior Director, Patient Advocacy and Professional Relations, shared her sentiments upon returning from Vienna:

“Our commitment to patients drives everything we do at Prothena. It is so much more than writing on the wall. Attending conferences like AD/PD, where we have the privilege of hearing from patients and meeting with advocates, further ignites the need for not only compassion and innovation, but to continue to put the patient first in each and every decision that is made to ensure the voices of those impacted by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are truly addressed.”

Learn more about Prothena’s pipeline here, which includes investigational candidates for a number of neurodegenerative diseases.