Systematic development and commercial exploitation of novel aggregation inhibitors of the protein α-synuclein

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most frequent neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease. PD is caused by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra and their nerve endings. It causes kinetic dysfunctions, such as limb tremors, but also non-motor symptoms. Approved treatments against PD are symptomatic and only partially relieve the kinetic issues. To date, there is no medication available that treats or delays the progressive neurodegeneration of the disease. Therefore, there is a great need for the development of therapies and treatments that will directly target the pathogenesis of the disease, will actually be neuroprotective and will delay the progression of the disease.