Lundbeck Parkinson’s Drug Trial Results Presented
New trial results for Lu AF28996 demonstrate potential improvements in motor function for patients with advanced Parkinson’s.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Alzheimer’s
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Lundbeck has reported positive results from a Phase Ib trial evaluating the investigational drug Lu AF28996 in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease. Participants observed meaningful increases in daily Good ON-time and significant reductions in levodopa requirements during the study period.
Why it matters
The study aims to address the limitations of current Parkinson’s therapies by evaluating the safety and clinical efficacy of a new drug candidate. These results provide initial evidence that Lu AF28996 may help manage complex motor symptoms in advanced disease patients.
In the 34-participant Phase Ib trial, patients showed a Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale score reduction of 8.5 points at Week 6, improving to a 14.5-point reduction by Week 18. Researchers noted a 2.3-hour decrease in OFF-time at the six-week mark.
The players
Lundbeck
Headquartered in Valby, Denmark, this pharmaceutical company specializes in brain diseases including psychiatric and neurological disorders.
The details
The study tracked 34 participants receiving twice-daily doses, with 25 continuing into a 12-week extension period. Beyond motor function gains, the drug allowed for significant daily levodopa dose reductions of 53.4% and 29.2% at the six and 18-week assessments respectively.
Timeline
October 6, 2026: Trial results were presented at the MDS 2026 conference in Seoul.
Week 6: Assessment occurred for initial Good ON-time and dyskinesia scale scores.
Week 18: Final assessment for the optional trial extension was completed.
Week 19: The primary endpoint assessment is scheduled for the Phase II DARE2 trial.
The Big Picture
This study follows the research objectives of the DARE2 clinical trial by transitioning the drug candidate from a small Phase Ib safety study to a larger randomized controlled investigation.
These findings suggest a potential future treatment option that could reduce reliance on traditional levodopa therapy while improving motor control. Patients should consult with neurologists to understand how emerging research in motor-function therapies might eventually influence their care plans.
The takeaway
Advancements in drug development for advanced Parkinson’s disease focus on both symptomatic relief and the potential to decrease dependency on standard levodopa doses. As trials transition to larger patient groups, these therapies could offer more nuanced control for patients managing complex motor fluctuations.
What happens next
The DARE2 clinical trial is now enrolling approximately 150 adults to evaluate the drug's efficacy with a primary endpoint assessment slated for Week 19.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research in our Alzheimer’s section.
More information
For detailed information on current research, visit the clinical trial information and site locations.
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