Biotech + Parkinson's Disease: An Innovative + Award Winning Technology Pitches on The Platform

Parkinson’s Disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder affecting more than 10 million patients globally, has been a focal point for R&D investment. With treatment options remaining relatively unchanged since the discovery of Levodopa in the late 1960s, the Life Science industry is working to address the unique needs of these patients. What makes Parkinson’s Disease so difficult to manage is the severity of the symptoms affecting the motor and non-motor functions that can drastically change the life of a patient and their families. It’s manageability is further affected by the costs for public and private payers in the long-term. In fact, the combined direct and indirect costs of treating Parkinson’s patients in the U.S. alone is $52 billion per year. With 60,000 Americans diagnosed every year with the disease, these costs are only expected to increase. It is estimated that, in 2020, there will be nearly one million Parkinson’s patients in the US and more than ten million worldwide.

Parkinson’s Disease has many disabling symptoms associated with its progression. These symptoms develop slowly over longer periods of time and often vary between patients. Movement symptoms like stiff muscles, rigidity, tremor, and bradykinesia make it harder for PD patients to walk or even take a normal step. For mid-stage to advanced patients, freezing—the feeling of your feet being stuck to the floor—is very common. PD patients also experience non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, apathy, and cognitive impairment. Motor and non-motor symptoms often appear concomitantly in PD patients, and with a high correlation, making the management of these symptoms critical.

The therapies available on the market today reduce the symptoms associated with the disease but do not cure it or delay its progression. Biotech companies are working diligently to find biomarkers to target with a therapeutic while also looking for innovative ideas to reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms.

In an upcoming episode of The Platform, we highlight the work of one particular innovator, Walk With Path, a UK-based biotech company that has developed a patented and award-winning laser shoe technology to help patients to overcome freezing and the sensation of feet stuck to the floor. The technology creates laser markings in front of the patient’s feet to provide a desired length and direction of step to prevent freezing. During our discussion on The Platform, which will be released in late June, this innovative company sheds light on their licensing and distribution strategy for global markets. Tune in see how Walk With Path is assessing distributors for exclusive licensing rights, and how your company can enter the process!