Anavex Life Sciences Corp (AVXL)

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Well and Good, But Very Preliminary

The new drug, which apparently must be administered in situ, in the brain (a brain surgery), appears to induce the growth of new, properly-functioning brain cells that work around malfunctioning cells. With that, an enzyme that produces gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is facilitated. GABA can then be produced. It turns down the nerve hyper excitability causing various Parkinson’s symptoms. Well and good.

But how long will the new cells remain unaffected by the pre-existing Parkinson’s disease state? Preliminary data appear to show some degree of survivability and function. But how long will that continue. Natal (from birth) neurons first became disabled by Parkinson’s. What will prevent the new ones from that eventual fate? If it takes, say, 50 years, no problem. If it’s five years, two brain surgeries every decade, then.

Should this drug prove efficacious and safe in long-term phase 3 studies (or, perhaps even now), it should gain regulatory marketing approval from FDA. But even with that, which Parkinson’s therapy would you wish for a close relative, one that requires periodic (or even just-once) brain surgery, or a daily pill that while taken provides continuing suppression of symptoms (the Anavex outcome)?