Investigational drug for Parkinson’s, Lewy body dementia not successful in phase 2 trial

Biopharmaceutical company Aptinyx reported its drug for cognitive impairment was not efficacious in a phase 2 clinical trial investigating its use in patients with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia, according to a press release.

The first-in-patient study evaluated NYX-458 30 mg compared with placebo in 99 patients with Parkinson’s disease or Lewy body dementia who had mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Over 12 weeks, NYX-458 did not demonstrate clinically significant improvements, based on patient-reported questionnaires and neurocognitive tests, the company stated.

“We are very disappointed that the results of this phase 2 study did not validate the therapeutic potential observed previously in preclinical studies of NYX-458 in models of cognitive impairment,” Aptinyx President and CEO Andy Kidd, MD, said in the release. “We appreciate the dedication and contributions of patients, investigators and the extensive team that worked on the study.”

Although the drug was well-tolerated, study results do not support further development, Aptinyx stated. The company also will terminate its ongoing, phase 2b trial of NYX-783, an investigational drug for PTSD.