PEI

P.E.I. Parkinson’s disease research gets federal funds

Neurodyn will use $458,833 to go towards further development of a product that helps people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Biotech company Neurodyn to develop new products

Neurodyn is releasing this product it says will help people with Parkinson's disease improve their mental stamina. (CBC)

A bioscience company in Charlottetown celebrated a major funding boost from the federal government. Neurodyn will use $458,833 to go towards further development of a product that helps people living with Parkinson’s disease.

“It means we’re able to take one of our products that we’re developing for early stage Parkinson’s treatment into clinical trial,” said Dr. Denis Kay, chief scientific officer for Neurodyn.

The product in development is called NeuroPro PD. It’s the second version of NeuroPro, that officially hits the market Oct. 1.

“It improved the ability of the person to think, it improves mental stamina, it improves physical stamina.”

The announcement was lauded by members of Charlottetown’s Parkinson’s Society.

“We’re really looking for hope,” said Dan Steele, president of the society. “We don’t have a cure for the disease right now, so anything that can ease the burden of people suffering with Parkinson’s is great news.”

“The technological advancements being made by our Canadian companies will have a direct link to our future prosperity,” said Federal Minister Gail Shea, who was in Charlottetown to make the announcement.

Neurodyn was founded in Vancouver, but conducts research and development in Charlottetown.