Dasher Neuroscience Signs MOU with Norwegian Research Center to Join the Platform Trial HYDRA and Advance AI-Driven Parkinson’s Drug Development in Europe

Focusing on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to develop new drugs for the central nervous system, Cayman Islands-based Yoda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (hereinafter referred to as YODA-KY, stock code 7829) announced today (27) that its subsidiary, Dasher Neuroscience Inc. (formerly Yoda therapeutics Inc.), has completed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Helse Bergen HF, Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen, Norway. Both parties will engage in in-depth collaboration to advance an AI-driven novel drug into the HYDRA platform trial. The therapy is expected to become the first from Taiwan to enter one of the world’s two largest platform trials for Parkinson’s disease. YODA-KY aims to leverage this opportunity to connect with a clinical network of 14 hospitals in Norway, proactively positioning itself to advance into global clinical trials in the fourth quarter of 2026. This initiative will contribute to the development of the international clinical research ecosystem for Parkinson’s disease and marks a significant milestone in the company’s expansion into Europe.

This MOU will foster information exchange between the two parties in Parkinson’s disease research and therapeutics, enhance public awareness of the disease, and pave the way for joint participation in the HYDRA clinical trial.

HYDRA, a phase III efficacy platform trial, is one of the world’s largest platform trials for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Initiated by Neuro-SysMed, a Centre for Clinical Treatment Research Center in Norway, the initiative aims to accelerate breakthroughs in the field of PD by testing multiple disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in parallel that can potentially alter the course of Parkinson’s disease.

HYDRA features highly integrated clinical resources, an extensive patient recruitment network, and a standardized data infrastructure. The platform trial is expected to enroll 800 participants across 14 hospitals covering all four health regions of Norway to evaluate the efficacy of three Parkinson’s disease therapies in slowing disease progression.

Notably, the trial adopts a multi-arm, multi-stage (MAMS) adaptive design, enabling treatments to be discontinued early while reallocating patients to more promising treatment arms. This approach is expected to shorten trial timelines and enhance overall clinical trial efficiency. The study is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026, with efficacy results anticipated within five years[1].

HYDRA is led by Dr. Geir Olve Skeie (Coordinating Investigator) and Study Director Charalampos Tzoulis, who is Professor of Neurology and Neurogenetics at the University of Bergen and Senior Consultant at Haukeland University Hospital.

Prof. Tzoulis noted that in addition to adopting the gold-standard Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), HYDRA also integrates objective measures such as digital monitoring and molecular biomarkers to assess long-term drug efficacy and inform personalized treatment strategies.

Tzoulis further highlighted that HYDRA is supported by funding from KLINBEFORSK, the Regional Health Authority of Western Norway, the Research Council of Norway, Neuro-SysMed, the Norwegian Parkinson Association, and leading medical centers. Backed by strong financial support and an extensive clinical network, HYDRA is well-positioned for patient recruitment and to advance treatment development for Parkinson’s disease.

YODA–KY CEO Jane Tseng stated that initiating a collaboration with Haukeland University Hospital marks a critical milestone for the company’s entry into the HYDRA platform trial and its expansion into global and European markets. Through the innovative “shared placebo group” trial design, more participants will have the opportunity to access investigational drugs, accelerating the progress of clinical trials. This approach can enable Taiwanese novel drug candidates to directly connect with Europe’s leading research centers, helping establish a robust international ecosystem for Parkinson’s disease clinical research.

Tseng also emphasized that α-synuclein–related disorders are progressive, highly disabling neurodegenerative diseases with no current treatment options, including Parkinson’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Dasher Neuroscience is committed to developing novel therapies for α-synuclein–related neurodegenerative diseases and advancing global clinical trial initiatives, aiming to bring innovative treatments to patients.

About Dasher Neuroscience Holdings Inc.

Dasher Neuroscience-KY (7829) was listed on the Taiwan Emerging Stock Board on June 3, 2025. It is a biopharmaceutical company focused on using AI to accelerate CNS therapies.

The company’s flagship drug, YA-101, initially targets MSA and is currently in Phase II clinical trials. It has received U.S. FDA Fast Track Designation and ODD in the U.S., Japan, and the EU. Additionally, YA-102 for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease is under development, along with two preclinical pipeline candidates: YA-201 for Alzheimer’s disease and YA-301 for schizophrenia. Upholding its mission to solve unmet medical needs, the company focuses on providing innovative, safe, and effective therapeutic choices. For more information, please visit the company website: www.dasherneuroscience.com.

Note: For more information on the HYDRA international platform trial in Norway, see:

[1] https://www.helse-bergen.no/en/neuro-sysmed-english/clinical-studies-at-neuro-sysmed/parkinsons–clinical-studies/HYDRA/