#Parkinson's Disease #Portugal #Porto #BIAL #BIA 28-6156

BIAL's Significant Contribution to Parkinson's Disease Treatment at GBA1 Meeting 2025

BIAL, a biopharmaceutical company that prioritizes innovation in neurosciences and rare diseases, is set to showcase its groundbreaking research at the forthcoming GBA1 Meeting scheduled from June 5 to 7, 2025, in Montreal, Canada. This annual gathering, hosted by McGill University, is dedicated to exploring GBA1 research, addressing everything from fundamental science to advanced clinical trials.

The main highlight for BIAL at this year's meeting is the oral presentation focusing on their investigational disease-modifying compound, BIA 28-6156. This compound represents a novel therapeutic avenue for patients suffering from Parkinson's Disease (PD) linked to mutations in the glucocerebrosidase 1 (GBA1) gene, often referred to as GBA-PD.

The ACTIVATE Study: Breaking New Ground

One of the pivotal studies being discussed is the ACTIVATE study, which is currently underway as a Phase II clinical trial. This study aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of BIA 28-6156 in a cohort of PD patients who carry the GBA1 mutation. Raquel Costa, the lead of the study, has expressed her anticipation for the upcoming meeting, stating, "We are witnessing growing enthusiasm within the Parkinson's community regarding the potential of BIA 28-6156. We look forward to sharing insights about the study's design and its implications for the future treatment of GBA-PD."

The session titled ‘Small molecules targeting GBA1’ will feature crucial information about the study's design, the inherent challenges of patient recruitment, genetic testing, and the current status of the trial. With a focus on offering a potentially disease-modifying treatment, BIA 28-6156 seeks to enhance the function of beta-glucocerebrosidase (GCase), thereby addressing one of the root causes of the disease.

Clinical and Scientific Significance

BIA 28-6156 is a first-in-class, small molecule designed for once-daily oral administration. By acting as an allosteric activator of GCase, this drug aims to restore the sphingolipid recycling process, which is often disrupted in patients with GBA-PD. This could mark a significant step forward in Parkinson’s therapy, addressing a long-standing need for effective treatment options.

The ACTIVATE study, registered under clinicaltrials.gov with identifier NCT05819359, has enrolled 273 genetically confirmed GBA-PD patients distributed across 85 clinical sites in North America and Europe. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study will be crucial for understanding the therapeutic potential of BIA 28-6156, with top-line results expected to be disclosed in the second quarter of 2026.

Presentation Details

Presentation Date and Time: June 5, 2025; from 12:00 PM to 12:20 PM
Session: Small molecules targeting GBA1 - session 2
Presenter: Raquel Costa, Senior Manager, Clinical Operations, BIAL
Location: Delta Hotels, Montreal

About BIAL

With a history spanning over a century, BIAL remains committed to enhancing global health through pharmaceutical innovation. Investing more than 20% of its annual revenues into research and development, BIAL primarily focuses on addressing unmet medical needs in neurologic disorders and rare diseases. Headquartered in Portugal, the company operates manufacturing facilities and R&D centers while maintaining a presence in countries like Spain, Germany, the UK, Italy, and Switzerland. As part of its global strategy, BIAL forges strategic partnerships around the world to widen access to its innovative healthcare solutions. Today, BIAL’s products reach over 50 countries, reflecting its dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of patients with severe medical conditions.

For more detailed information about BIA 28-6156 and its clinical trial design, please visit BIAL's pipeline and clinicaltrials.gov (identifier NCT05819359).