Biogen and Denali Halt Parkinson’s Drug Development After Failed Phase 2b Trial
Event summary
- Biogen and Denali’s Phase 2b LUMA study of BIIB122 (DNL151) in early-stage Parkinson’s disease failed to meet primary or secondary endpoints.
- The companies will discontinue development of BIIB122 for idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.
- Denali will continue its Phase 2a BEACON study in carriers of a pathogenic LRRK2 variant, with data expected in the first half of 2027.
- The LUMA study involved 648 participants and lasted up to 144 weeks.
- BIIB122 demonstrated >90% kinase inhibition of peripheral LRRK2 but did not slow disease progression.
The big picture
The failure of BIIB122 underscores the challenges in developing effective treatments for Parkinson’s disease, a condition characterized by complex biology and heterogeneous patient responses. While LRRK2 has been a promising target, the LUMA study’s outcome may prompt a reevaluation of its therapeutic potential. Denali’s continued focus on LRRK2 variant carriers highlights the need for more targeted approaches in neurodegenerative disease research.
What we're watching
- LRRK2 Target Viability
- Whether LRRK2 inhibition remains a viable therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease, given the LUMA study’s failure.
- BEACON Study Outcomes
- The pace at which Denali’s BEACON study in LRRK2 variant carriers yields results and whether it revives interest in LRRK2-targeting therapies.
- Biogen’s Pipeline Strategy
- How Biogen will pivot its neurodegeneration pipeline following this setback, particularly in early-stage Parkinson’s disease.
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