Building on recent advances, 2024 brought more good news for neurology patients - from the first FDA-approved disease-modifying therapy for early Alzheimer’s to breakthrough oral BTK inhibitors for MS that reduce relapses by 50%. We spoke with some of the leaders in the space to share their stories of treating stubborn diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s and debilitating migraines.
Driven by the new optimism, as well as the ongoing unmet needs in the field, Merz Therapeutics is focusing on specialty neurology focused on more complex neurological diseases. The German pharma acquired in 2024 two therapies for multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s, with the ambition to expand its presence in specialty neurology and boost access to treatments. ‘We are focused on ensuring that both therapies reach a larger patient population, particularly in regions where they are not yet available,’ Merz Therapeutics' CEO, Stefan König, shares. Additionally, the company is advancing its internal pipeline, where König sees much potential. ‘We are particularly excited about expanding our neurotoxin’s potential through clinical research in the treatment of migraines, with a large Phase 3 study set to begin soon. These studies will be the largest clinical trials Merz Therapeutics has ever undertaken, aiming to address both prevention of episodic and chronic migraine.’ Severe migraines are also the target of Lundbeck, a Danish company. Charl van Zyl, the CEO, is proud of the first intravenous FDA-approved therapy for migraines. ‘VYEPTI provides sustained relief, allowing patients to regain control over their lives by reducing the unpredictability of migraine attacks. This is a game-changer for those suffering from severe migraines, as it enables them to plan their lives without constant fear of an impending episode,’ van Zyl tells us.
Another German biotech, Immunic Therapeutics, is investigating a new multiple sclerosis drug with improved therapeutic results, as well as a promising safety profile. ‘While current treatments focus primarily on reducing relapses, they do little to halt the progression of disability that occurs independently of these relapses. Approximately 50% of MS progression stems from this neurodegeneration, leaving patients increasingly disabled despite treatment,’ tells us Immunic’s CEO, Daniel Vitt. The company’s new drug, Vidofludimus calcium, now in Phase 3 trials, aims to address this gap with an innovative mode of action that includes neuroprotection. Crucially for MS patients, the drug has shown great promise in terms of side-effects: ‘In clinical trials involving over 1,800 individuals so far, the safety and tolerability profile was nearly identical between the drug and placebo groups,’ Vitt highlights.
Not all developments have been positive, unfortunately. We are following the story of Alzheon’s war with Alzheimer’s for a third year now. The CEO, Martin Tolar, was excited about the company’s Phase 3 trial of its oral Alzheimer’s drug candidate ALZ-801, focusing on high-risk patients with two copies of a certain gene. Results published in April 2025, however, showed that ALZ-801 did not meet its primary endpoint in the full study population. The drug did show benefit in a subgroup of patients, so the fight no doubt continues. Akin to cancer, the complexity of neurological diseases often means that improvements are incremental and take many years.