Oryon Cell Therapies Secures $21 Million to Advance Parkinson’s Disease Treatment

Mar 23, 2026 – Oryon Cell Therapies launched Monday with $21 million in new funding, building on a previous $21 million in equity and grants, to accelerate the development of its autologous neuron replacement therapy for Parkinson’s disease. Early clinical data suggests the experimental treatment may restore lost brain function in patients.

Company Overview and Funding

Oryon Cell Therapies, a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in Belmont, Massachusetts, is focused on developing cell therapies for neurodegenerative disorders, initially targeting Parkinson’s disease [1]. The recent $21 million Series A funding tranche brings the company’s total financing to $42 million [2]. Investors in this round include Neuro.VC, Byers Capital, and others [3].

Novel Therapy Approach

Oryon’s therapy utilizes an autologous approach, meaning it uses a patient’s own cells to create the therapeutic treatment. The process involves converting the patient’s blood cells into stem cells, and then differentiating those stem cells into dopamine-producing neurons – the specific brain cells lost in Parkinson’s disease [3]. This approach aims to eliminate the necessitate for immunosuppression, a common requirement in other cell therapies [3].

Clinical Trial Data

The funding will support the completion of an ongoing Phase 1b/2a clinical trial. Preliminary data from five evaluable patients who received a unilateral neuronal implant showed consistent motor improvements ranging from 29% to 62% from baseline between six and 18 months post-treatment [3]. Brain imaging scans correlate with these clinical improvements, showing restored dopaminergic signaling in the transplanted brain region [3]. No serious side effects have been reported to date [3].

Leadership and Future Plans

Ron Cohen, M.D., a biopharmaceutical entrepreneur with a 30-year track record in drug development, has been appointed as Oryon’s Chief Executive Officer [2]. Dr. Cohen previously founded Acorda Therapeutics and led the development of Inbrija, an inhaled treatment for Parkinson’s disease. The new funding will also be used to build Oryon’s own manufacturing facility, reducing costs and preparing for a potential large-scale, late-stage clinical trial [1].

Oryon is not alone in pursuing stem cell therapies for Parkinson’s disease; Aspen Neuroscience is also advancing a similar approach with plans for a Phase 3 trial [3].