The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) launched three new funding programs focused on driving research toward transformative treatments and a cure for Parkinson's disease.
Two programs will promote critical work on the promising therapeutic targets LRRK2 and Parkin. A third program allows researchers to propose developing biomarkers of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease. The new funding opportunities are open to both academic and industry researchers.
MJFF invites proposals that can establish whether pathological mechanisms linked to LRRK2-associated parkinsonism underlie the more common idiopathic forms of Parkinson’s disease. A clear answer to this question would provide additional insight into underlying causes of Parkinson’s disease and greatly energize efforts to develop and test LRRK2-targeted therapeutics beyond those populations with established LRRK2 genetic parkinsonism.
MJFF also seeks proposals that promote understanding of the biological function and therapeutic potential of Parkin. Mutations in the Parkin gene explain a large proportion of Parkinson’s disease cases occurring before the age of 40 and could represent a promising therapeutic agent to alter the course of Parkinson’s disease.
Lastly, MJFF invites proposals aimed at developing biomarkers of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease useful for future clinical trials. Particular emphasis will be on projects designed to develop biomarkers that identify transition between normal and impaired cognition, as well as between cognitive impairment and dementia.
