In 2014, Bukwang Pharmaceutical made a strategic acquisition, bringingCopenhagen-based CNS-specialized biotech venture 'Contera Pharma' under its umbrella. Bukwang then entered a license agreement with its newly acquired subsidiary to secure the rights to develop and commercialize JM-010, an innovative treatment for dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease, in regions outside of Europe where Contera Pharma held exclusive rights.
Patients with Parkinson's disease typically undergo long-term treatment with the standard medication, L-DOPA, aimed at alleviating its debilitating symptoms. However, prolonged
usage often leads to a diminished ability to regulate dopamine generated by L-DOPA as the disease progress. Consequently, approximately 40-50% of patients experience motor
complications after roughly5 years of L-DOPA therapy, with the majority of patients encountering these complications after approximately 10 years.¹
Presently, apart from Amantadine extended-release capsules (Gocovri®) available in the United States, there are no approved treatments for dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease.
JM-010 has successfully completed Phase 2 proof of concept clinical trial in South Africa and Phase 1 trial in Germany. It is currently undergoing Phase 2 clinical trials in the United States and several European countries, including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Slovakia, and South Korea Furthermore, in 2017, it was granted the designation of a 'Developmental Stage Orphan Drug' by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety
JM-010 is a novel drug formulation that combines proven safe medications. It is anticipated to effectively address dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease by acting on both presynaptic DRN (dorsal raphe nucleus) neurons and postsynaptic MSN (medium spiny neuron) neurons, thereby contributing to essential synaptic regulation.²