Parkinson’s Disease: The Future of Cell and Gene Therapies

Parkinson’s Disease is a relentless adversary for the human body, and over 10 million people worldwide fight a daily battle against it. Despite more than 65 years of research, current therapies sill only provide symptomatic relief. Join us as our expert panel discusses why Parkinson’s remains so hard to treat, and how cell and gene therapies could potentially offer a paradigm shift from current treatment options.

In this episode of Headlines of the Future, host Piyal Bhoora is joined by Dr. Krystof Bankiewicz, Scientific Chair, Parkinson’s and MSA at AskBio; Dr. Ahmed Enayetallah, Head of Development at Bluerock Therapeutics; and Dr. Patrick Bussfeld, Head of Medical Affairs, Cell & Gene Therapies and Ophthalmology at Bayer.

Dr. Patrick Bussfeld is a neurologist by training who worked across clinics in Bonn, Munich, Düsseldorf, and Krefeld. He has worked at Bayer since 2008, developing significant experience across the medical affairs functions of Bayer Vital, Bayer Consumer Care AG, and finally Bayer AG. Presently, he serves as Head of Medical Affairs for Cell & Gene Therapies and Ophthalmology.

Parkinson’s is not just a motor disease. It can affect anywhere, including the gastrointestinal tract, cognitive functions, and mood. It’s caused by a loss of neurons producing dopamine in the ‘substantia nigra’ of the brain. Both males and females can suffer, and there is no cure.

Patrick Bussfeld

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Head of Medical Affairs, Cell & Gene Therapies and Ophthalmology at Bayer

Dr. Ahmed Enayetallah has over 20 years of experience in drug research and development. He is currently the Head of Development at Bluerock Therapeutics, and prior to this he was the Executive Medical Director and Group Lead for Neurology and Ophthalmology at Alexion, AstraZeneca. Here, he oversaw the execution of six clinical-stage rare disease programs. He has also held senior roles at Amgen, Biogen, and Pfizer.

When dealing with Parkinson’s today, the aim is to really try and enhance surviving neurons. But that can only work for so long. It gets to a point where there’s unmet need.

Dr. Ahmed Enayetallah

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Head of Development at Bluerock Therapeutics

Dr. Krystof Bankiewicz is a researcher who has translated multiple gene therapies to the clinic. He founded Brain Neurotherapy Bio, now a subsidiary of AskBio, focusing on treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, he is Professor of Neurological Surgery and Neurology at the University of California, San Francisco, and Chair and Director of the Brain Health and Performance Center at Ohio State University.

“I have great hopes for Parkinson's disease. I'm directly involved in other gene therapy programs in which we have been able to demonstrate very profound effects of this technology on changing lives of patients.

Dr. Krystof Bankiewicz

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Scientific Chair, Parkinson’s and MSA at AskBio

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This podcast has been produced by Bayer AG for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only. The information provided in the podcast are not medical advice and unless expressly stated, do not reflect the opinions of Bayer AG, its affiliates, or subsidiaries. The views expressed by guests are their own.