Parkinnova Therapeutics B.V., a startup based in Amsterdam, has received a €350,000 convertible loan from Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland. Parkinnova is developing a new therapy for Parkinson’s disease, based on an innovative class of PDE inhibitors, that can both alleviate symptoms and potentially slow disease progression.

Parkinson’s disease affects millions of people worldwide. Current treatments are aimed at relieving symptoms but lose their effect over time and actually cause new, disabling side effects. In addition, they do not address the underlying disease processes, causing the disease to progress unabated. Parkinnova’s new therapy is designed not only to combat symptoms more effectively, but also to slow disease progression, with the goal of a more sustainable and complete treatment.

The funding from Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland is an essential step toward clinical trials. With this investment, Parkinnova is working to further develop and optimize a new generation of PDE inhibitors. This includes the optimization of molecular properties and extensive preclinical testing to validate efficacy and safety. These steps are necessary to select a promising candidate and lay the foundation for further clinical development.

This innovation PDE inhibition therapy may represent a breakthrough in the treatment of Parkinson’s. With a targeted, innovative therapy, the disease can not only be better treated, but its impact can also be reduced. This offers patients a more effective and sustainable approach, with fewer side effects and possibly a slowing of disease progression. A step toward a future where Parkinson’s no longer dominates patients’ daily lives.

Dr. Lars van der Heide, CSO and co-founder of Parkinnova Therapeutics said, “We believe this new generation of PDE inhibitors offers a promising and targeted approach to treating Parkinson’s. This funding will allow us to take crucial steps in the development of a new therapy that can have a real impact on patients.”

Says Ludolf Stavenga, fund manager at Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland, “Parkinnova Therapeutics is developing a drug that has the potential not just to fight the symptoms but to truly counteract the disease, which is a huge need among patients.”

About Parkinnova Therapeutics Parkinnova Therapeutics B.V. is a biotech spin-off from the University of Amsterdam, founded by Prof. Dr. Marten P. Smidt and Dr. Lars P. van der Heide. The company focuses on the development of an innovative therapy for Parkinson’s disease. By combining advanced molecular neurobiology and drug development, Parkinnova aims to set a new standard in the treatment of Parkinson’s.

About Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland The Innovatiefonds Noord-Holland is an initiative of the Province of Noord-Holland, University of Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit, Hogeschool van Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC and Sanquin. The Fund supports entrepreneurs in the province of North Holland in financing innovation in the Proof-of-Concept phase by providing convertible loans. The Innovation Fund North Holland manages two funds: a fund for innovative start-ups, supported by the RVO, and a fund for academic start-ups, supported by EFRO. www.innovatiefondsnoordholland.nl