Merck KGaA starts Phase III Parkinson's trial

Merck KGaA has launched a late-stage study of safinamide for Parkinson's disease. The drug is designed to help improve motor function, but the study will also explore its affect on cognitive function and quality of life. Some 650 volunteers are being signed up to get two doses of the drug in combination with dopamine agonists in comparison to dopamine agonists alone. Merck gained a worldwide license to the therapy from Newron last year.

- see this release
- here's the AFX report on the trial