Yumanity Therapeutics Stock Plunges After Parkinson's Trial Data

Yumanity Therapeutics Inc YMTX reported topline data from Phase 1b trial of its lead product candidate, YTX-7739, for mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease.
The study achieved its primary endpoints.
YTX-7739 was shown to inhibit its primary target, stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), an enzyme closely linked to neuronal survival and improved motor function in a Parkinson's disease model.
After 28 days of treatment, the 20 mg dose given once daily reduced the fatty acid desaturation index, a biomarker of SCD inhibition, by approximately 20%-40%.
Target engagement in the cerebrospinal fluid suggested that YTX-7739 effectively crossed the blood-brain barrier.
On the safety front, moderate adverse events in the treatment group consisted of 2 patients with increased Parkinson's symptoms.
The Company believes to be well-positioned to test the SCD hypothesis in a Phase 2 trial in Parkinson's disease, expected to start in 2022.
Investors are reacting as there were no statistically significant differences in clinical assessments or most exploratory biomarkers.
Price Action: YMTX shares are down 31.5% at $5.81 during the market session on the last check Wednesday.