Phase 2a trial of Jotrol as treatment for Parkinson’s planned
Jupiter partners with Zina to test oral resveratrol formulation
Jupiter Neurosciences said it’s planning a Phase 2a clinical trial to test Jotrol, the company’s oral formulation of resveratrol, as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease, in partnership with Zina Biopharmaceuticals.
Zina will assist with aspects of the trial protocol, such as identifying biomarkers and selecting sites for the trial, Jupiter said.
“This partnership with Zina marks a significant milestone for Jupiter as we advance JOTROL into Phase 2 clinical development for Parkinson’s,” Christer Rosén, chairman and CEO of Jupiter, said in a company press release. “Zina’s extensive expertise in trial execution, as well as regulatory, clinical and scientific strategy, will be instrumental in accelerating our development timeline and positioning us for future pivotal studies.”
The trial’s main goal will be to assess the safety of Jotrol in people with Parkinson’s. The trial also will evaluate the pharmacological properties of Jotrol, according to Jupiter. The company didn’t provide specifics about the trial’s planned design or when the study is expected to begin.
New formulation as treatment for Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder marked by the dysfunction and death of brain cells that are responsible for making dopamine, a signaling molecule that helps brain cells communicate with each other and with the rest of the body. Lack of dopamine signaling leads to Parkinson’s symptoms such as movement problems and cognitive issues.
The exact causes of Parkinson’s disease aren’t fully understood, but a growing body of research suggests that abnormal inflammation and oxidative stress, a type of cellular damage, are involved in the disease’s onset and progression.
Resveratrol is a compound found in certain plants, including grapes. It has anti-inflammatory properties as well as antioxidant properties (meaning it can lessen oxidative stress). These properties make it a promising potential Parkinson’s treatment. But its use has been limited because, when high doses are taken orally, it often leads to digestive side effects.
Jotrol is a new formulation of resveratrol containing the compound in a micellar formulation — that is, with the compound dissolved into liquid — that can be taken as an oral capsule. Jupiter is developing Jotrol as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s and other neurological diseases. It was found to improve motor function in a mouse model of Parkinson’s.
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