The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has approved an $8 million award to Aspen Neuroscience to advance an investigational stem cell-derived dopaminergic neuron replacement therapy for Parkinson’s disease (PD).

This individualized potential therapy is being explored in a first-in-human Phase 1/2a clinical trial for patients with moderate to advanced PD.

Affecting more than one million Americans, PD is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that causes walking and motor problems, as well as impaired balance and coordination. Existing therapies alleviate symptoms but do not treat the disease, leading to a significant unmet medical need for those suffering from this chronic condition.

“We would like to thank CIRM for their support of this program to investigate an autologous cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease, which is a very personalized condition,” said Damien McDevitt, PhD, President and CEO of Aspen Neuroscience.

“This first-in-human trial is the culmination of many years of work by a remarkable team of researchers and clinicians. Our approach to provide patients with their own dopamine neuron cells has the potential to impact the entire field of neurodegenerative disorders.”

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of this one-time therapy that, if successful, would eliminate the need for daily medications.

“This clinical award represents a significant step forward in the treatment landscape of Parkinson’s disease by advancing individualized therapy that has the potential to restore motor function in those impacted by this devastating condition,” said Abla Creasey, PhD, Vice President of Therapeutics Development at CIRM.