CERE-120 is an experimental drug that consists of an adeno-associated virus (AAV) that was engineered to carry the human gene for neurturin, a neurotrophic (growth) factor. Similar to other growth factors (such as GDNF), neurturin is capable of restoring function and protecting brain cells from further damage. The virus used in CERE-120 is not known to cause disease in people.~CERE-120 is delivered directly to the brain cells most affected in Parkinson's disease - the dopamine producing neurons. CERE-120 is injected during brain surgery. Once in place, CERE-120 continuously produces neurturin.~During the first, open-label, part of the study (Phase 1), subjects with Parkinson's disease received CERE-120 at one of two dose levels. In the second part of the study (Phase 2), subjects were randomized 1:1 to receive CERE-120 or a sham surgery where no medication was injected.~Participants in both phases of the study were followed for up to five years after surgery.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and potential benefits of CERE-120 in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.