Hillhurst Bio has dosed the first subject in its Phase 2a clinical trial evaluating HBI-002 for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
The company is developing HBI-002 as a novel oral liquid drug product based on known inhaled therapeutics. The trial is supported by funding from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research through its Therapeutics Pipeline Program, as well as the Farmer Family Foundation.
This is relevant because Parkinson’s disease remains a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with substantial unmet need. Current therapies mainly address symptoms, while disease biology, progression and non-motor burden continue to drive long-term disability.
The Phase 2a trial marks an important development step for Hillhurst Bio as it moves HBI-002 into patient evaluation. The study is designed to assess safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and exploratory treatment effects in Parkinson’s disease.
The company expects the first readout by the end of 2026. This timeline will be important for determining whether HBI-002 can produce enough clinical signal to justify larger mid- or late-stage development.
HBI-002 is differentiated by Hillhurst Bio’s focus on oral liquid drug products derived from known inhaled therapeutics. If successful, this approach could support new dosing and delivery options while leveraging existing knowledge around therapeutic mechanisms.
