TEVA: Breakthrough in Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

Once again Israel has demonstrated that what it lacks in natural resources it more than makes up for in brainpower. Lucky for the world that it’s a renewable resource. News that Azilect, a drug that is co-developed by Teva Pharmaceuticals (TEVA), has been successful in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease, is another in the long-line of cutting edge innovations produced in Israel, and exported to the the rest of the world.

According to a report in Haaretz:

Azilect, which is the brand name for rasagiline, was tested in 1 milligram tablets as a treatment for Parkinson’s Disease. Teva said yesterday that the drug can actually slow the disease’s progression, which can’t be said for any other therapy for the so-far incurable nervous system condition.

This drug has the potential to generate $1billion in sales, and be a mega-drug for Teva.

Teva, the biggest generic drug company in the world, has also turned into a R&D powerhouse focusing on neurological diseases. Copaxone, another Teva product which treats Multiple Sclerosis, has turned into the number one global treatment in the fight against MS.

This breakthrough could be life changing for the more than four million Parkinson’s sufferers. Teva hopes to get regulatory permits to sell the drug as a both a treatment of the disease, as well as a way to slow down the progression of the disease. Its aim is to have the permits by the end of 2009. For both investors and Parkinson’s sufferers, let’s hope it gets the permits sooner rather than later.

 Disclosure: The author’s fund has a position in TEVA as of June 17, 2008.