Others have tried and failed to target α-synuclein in Parkinson’s disease, but Roche hopes a Phase II study could deliver success later this year.

Friedreich’s ataxia is particularly prevalent in Europe, and the company hopes to replicate the fast US uptake for Skyclarys there.

Neuroscience is increasingly a focus for the Swiss pharma giant, and it believes it can stay ahead in multiple sclerosis with fenebrutinib, while making up lost ground in with two key candidates in Alzheimer’s disease.

Novo Holdings CEO Kasim Kutay discusses today’s financing challenges and tomorrows big pharma pipeline problems in an exclusive interview. Despite turbulent times, he is positive about the future of health care.