Latest news with #MichaelJFoxFoundation
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Lysoway Therapeutics Awarded Grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation to Advance TRPML1 Agonist to Treat Parkinson's Disease
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., August 06, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lysoway Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing small molecule modulators of lysosomal ion channels, today announced that it has received a research grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF). Support comes from MJFF's Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Pipeline Program, which focuses on candidates with strong potential to slow or halt disease progression or alleviate burdensome symptoms for those living with Parkinson's disease. Lysoway Therapeutics funding of $2.93 million will support the preclinical and translational development of Lysoway's novel, highly brain-penetrant small molecule TRPML1 agonist. The study aims to investigate whether activating TRPML1 by a novel, small molecule modulator, will enhance the lysosomal membrane calcium ion channel to restore lysosomal function and help with clearance of alpha-synuclein, the protein that is linked to the disease. "We are honored to receive this generous grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation," said Valerie Cullen, PhD, Principal Investigator and SVP of Research and Translation at Lysoway. "TRPML1 is a high value target due to its pivotal role in sensing and responding to cellular stress. By activating this ion channel, we can engage multiple beneficial pathways that restore autophagy/lysosomal homeostasis and bolster cellular resilience. Our lead development candidate is both orally bioavailable and highly brain-penetrant, offering strong potential to modify disease progression in Parkinson's Disease." Yongchang Qiu, PhD, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lysoway Therapeutics, added "This funding underscores growing confidence in TRPML1 as a compelling target for Parkinson's disease. It will allow us to accelerate development of our lead TRPML1 agonist and to establish key biomarkers for target engagement, with the goal of initiating first-in-human clinical trials early next year." About Lysoway Therapeutics, in Cambridge, MA, Lysoway Therapeutics is a leader in developing therapeutically viable lysosomal ion channel modulators. The company is advancing a pipeline of small molecule activators targeting these channels to treat neurodegenerative diseases. Learn more at View source version on Contacts Media contact: Info@
CNN
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
Harrison Ford says Michael J. Fox's presence on ‘Shrinking' Season 3 has been ‘essential'
Harrison Ford is grateful that he has Michael J. Fox to help guide his character on 'Shrinking.' His presence on set has been 'essential,' the 'Indiana Jones' actor told Variety in an interview published Wednesday, saying that Fox 'gives me both a physical representation of the disease to inform myself with, but more than that, he allows me to believe that Paul could believe that he could be adequate to the challenge.' Fox was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease in 1991 at age 29 and launched the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, an organization dedicated to finding a cure for the disease through research and ensuring improved therapies, in 2000. Ford's character on the AppleTV+ series, Paul, was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in Season 1, and is facing the advancement of the disease in the upcoming third season, for which Fox has joined the cast. 'Michael's courage, his fortitude and his grace, more than anything else, is on full display,' Ford said of Fox's involvement on 'Shrinking.' 'He's very smart, very brave, noble, generous, passionate guy, and an example to all of us, whether we're facing Parkinson's or not. You cannot help but recognize how amazing it is to have such grace.' Ford, who this year earned his first-ever Emmy nomination for his role in the series, is serious about telling the story of someone living with the disease. 'The truth is that we can't be f**king around with this just to make a joke or anything. Parkinson's is not funny,' he said. 'And I want to get it right. It's necessary to be correct with what we do in respect of the challenge that Parkinson's represents, and that we don't use it for its entertainment value.' 'Shrinking' stars Jason Segel, Jessica Williams and Ford, and follows Jimmy (Segel), who starts to use non-traditional methods in his therapy practice as he grieves the death of his wife. His decision to throw ethics and his training out the window results in big changes in his clients' lives as well as his own. Ford's character's Parkinson's Disease becomes a major storyline in the upcoming third season, he told Variety. 'He knows he's in decline. He knows that he's facing even more difficult physical circumstances than he finds himself in at the moment,' Ford said. 'He's entering a phase of his life which is a mystery, but he has a partner in the character that Wendie Malick plays.' 'Shrinking' Season 3 will be available to stream on AppleTV+ this fall.
Business Wire
09-07-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
A New Drug by Progenra Inc. Functions in Parkinson's Disease
MALVERN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Parkinson's disease is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease and presents a global health challenge. About 90,000 people are diagnosed in the US every year. About 10 million people world-wide live with Parkinson's disease, according to Michael J Fox Foundation and Parkinson's Foundation USA. Specific genetic mutations lead to early onset of PD that account for about 10-20% of all cases of Parkinsons's disease patients. Inactivating mutations in human Parkin, a ubiquitin E3 ligase and PINK1, a kinase, genes present a significant population of inherited Parkinson's disease. About 90,000 people are diagnosed in the US a year with Parkinson's disease. Genetic mutations lead to early onset of PD that account for about 10-20% of all cases of Parkinsons's disease patients. Progenra drug restores function for most of the patients. Share In a groundbreaking advance, Progenra Inc., has discovered a novel class of small-molecule PINK1 activators that restore function in mutant forms of the PINK1 kinase, a key mitochondrial regulator whose dysfunction leads to familial or early onset Parkinson's disease (PD). This discovery represents the first evidence that a drug for defective PINK1 variants is possible, and therapeutically viable. Restoring the function of pathogenic PINK1 mutations found in Parkinson's patients with small molecule drugs, is a paradigm shift in Parkinson's disease. The data hints that the drug could reverse disease progression—and benefit late-stage Parkinson's disease as well. PINK1/Parkin Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Aggregation of proteins in neurons is the main cause of several neurodegenerative disorders. Tau protein aggregates for Alzheimer's disease and alpha synuclein aggregates for Parkinson's disease. Protein aggregates damage mitochondria leading to loss of ATP and neuronal cell death. Aggregated proteins or proteinapathies such as Lewy Body disease are also responsible for dementia. Since the PINK1 drug removes protein aggregates and restores mitochondrial health, its application for Lewy body disease and other proteinathies are also apparent. 'This discovery opens an entirely new avenue for neurodegenerative diseases and especially for personalized medicine for PD patients,' added Dr. Tauseef Butt, PhD, President& CEO of Progenra Inc. 'Instead of compensating for PINK1 loss, we can now target the defective protein directly, potentially halting disease progression at its origin.' About Progenra Inc: Progenra ( a biotech company, aims to develop novel medicines by exploring mitochondria and ubiquitin proteasome pathways. Progenra is developing novel modulators of PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway as therapeutics for antiaging, neurodegenerative and mitochondrial diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's as well as cardiovascular diseases.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Leading Parkinson's Advocacy Groups Urge Strong Federal Investment in Biomedical Research
NEW YORK , June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As Congress works to set funding levels for the National Institutes of Health, The American Parkinson Disease Association, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research and The Parkinson's Foundation call on lawmakers to ensure that a robustly funded, collaborative NIH — the essential engine of medical progress and hope for millions of Americans — is a cornerstone of the nation's budget today and in the future. Decades of dedicated scientific investigation and bipartisan support for NIH have advanced the search for next-generation treatments and brought us to the brink of transformative breakthroughs in Parkinson's care. Sustained federal investment also has contributed to recent discoveries that have unlocked brand-new understanding of shared biology across the major brain diseases, positioning the field to make even more rapid gains within the next decade. Any reorganization of NIH must be guided by these new scientific insights— with input from patients and families — to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes. It is imperative that we preserve and build on this progress by increasing investment in our national scientific enterprise through NIH on behalf of the 1 million Americans living with Parkinson's, their families and the millions more whose lives are touched by neurodegenerative disease, such as Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer's disease. This is the future our country needs and deserves. Our organizations have demonstrated the power of public-private partnership to drive scientific progress, delivering results for patients and families. We and our nationwide network of advocates will support every effort to keep this critical work moving forward through the appropriations process and in any consideration of a reorganization of NIH. We trust our nation's leaders to join us in this vital mission. About The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is a nationwide grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson's disease (PD) and works tirelessly to help the approximately one million with PD in the United States live life to the fullest in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder. Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $313 million to provide outstanding patient services and educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to unlock the mysteries of PD and ultimately put an end to this disease. About The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF) As the world's largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson's research, The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to accelerating a cure for Parkinson's disease and improved therapies for those living with the condition today. The Foundation pursues its goals through an aggressively funded, highly targeted research program coupled with active global engagement of scientists, Parkinson's patients, business leaders, clinical trial participants, donors and volunteers. In addition to funding $2.5 billion in research to date, the Foundation has fundamentally altered the trajectory of progress toward a cure. Operating at the hub of worldwide Parkinson's research, the Foundation forges groundbreaking collaborations with industry leaders, academic scientists and government research funders; creates a robust open- access data set and biosample library to speed scientific breakthroughs and treatment with its landmark clinical study, PPMI; increases the flow of participants into Parkinson's disease clinical trials with its online tool, Fox Trial Finder; promotes Parkinson's awareness through high-profile advocacy, events and outreach; and coordinates the grassroots involvement of thousands of Team Fox members around the world. For more information, visit us at Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. About the Parkinson's Foundation The Parkinson's Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson's disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson's community. Since 1957, the Parkinson's Foundation has invested more than $474 million in Parkinson's research and clinical care. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram or call 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636). View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research; The Parkinson's Foundation; The American Parkinson Disease Association
Forbes
27-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Sergey Brin's Latest Stock Gift Signals Shift In Philanthropic Strategy
Google cofounder Sergey Brin is back in the office working on AI. But he's also ramping up his philanthropic investments, largely centering conditions of the central nervous week Google cofounder Sergey Brin gave away $700 million worth of Alphabet shares. The gifts were split between three nonprofits, according to a representative of Brin's family office. Nearly 80% of the shares—worth nearly $550 million—went to Brin's four-year-old nonprofit Catalyst4, while the remaining shares went to the Sergey Brin Family Foundation (14%) and Michael J. Fox Foundation (7%), which supports research and treatments for Parkinson's disease. Brin, 51, is worth an estimated $137 billion and is the world's eighth richest person. He's the largest individual donor—at more than $1.5 billion—to research on Parkinson's disease, which afflicted his mother, who died last year, and for which he has a genetic mutation that means he has a much higher chance of getting the disease than the general population. And he's made a big commitment to fund research into the causes of bipolar disorder and autism, as Forbes wrote about in February. Brin's team has created an umbrella group to oversee research in these areas called CNS Quest. (CNS stands for 'central nervous system.) His significant gift of Alphabet shares to Catalyst4 will, in large part, power the work of the CNS Quest, per Brin's representative. Brin sees his philanthropic mission as deeply 'personal because it starts with Parkinson's disease, and I carry one of the genetic mutations discovered, the G2019S mutation to the LRRK2 gene,' he wrote to Forbes in February. He keeps his life private, but all three conditions under the CNS Quest have affected members of his family. Brin's increased giving to Catalyst4, a type of nonprofit called a 501(c)(4) that can lobby as well as own entire for-profit companies, may be part of a broader shift in his giving strategy. To date, Brin has donated at least $1.5 billion to Catalyst4. In late 2021, Brin seeded the entity with more than $450 million worth of donated Alphabet and Tesla stock, and added another $615 million in 2023. Catalyst4 is still smaller than Brin's decade-old, more traditional nonprofit, the Sergey Brin Family Foundation, which had $4 billion in assets as of the end of 2023. But in recent years he's been giving more to Catalyst4 than to his family foundation, which also funds various climate and education initiatives. With Catalyst4, Brin hopes that his efforts can address both basic science research and eventual treatments and therapies; the latter most often comes from for-profit companies. 'What we've learned and seen from our other initiatives is that it's really important to fund both things in parallel, and have that feedback loop across both the science and the clinical side of things, like trial design, drug development and therapeutics,' Ekemini Riley, who has a PhD in molecular medicine and helps lead the CNS Quest initiatives, told Forbes in February. In some cases, this means investing in biopharma companies through Catalyst4. Brin has been backing startups and venture capital funds that are working on for-profit solutions and treatments, investing more than $600 million to date, including about $400 million in 2024 alone. Per nonprofit tax filings, Catalyst4's portfolio includes a majority stake in biopharma firm MapLight, which is developing treatments for brain diseases and autism. MapLight is currently enrolling patients in Phase 2 clinical trials for a drug candidate that aims to help with 'social communication deficits' in certain autistic people. In February, Catalyst4 also led an $80 million funding round in Stellaromics, which makes detailed three-dimensional maps of gene activity in slices of tissue for other companies to use in drug development. Any profits from investments must be reinvested into the nonprofit, and Catalyst4 has given some portfolio companies 'philanthropic dollars' (often some 25% of the total investment) along with its equity investment, according to a person familiar with Brin's philanthropy. It's still unclear how exactly Brin will use his latest gift to further the goals of the CNS Quest and Catalyst4. But the ramp-up will certainly continue, especially crucial as the Trump administration continues to cut funding for medical research and clinical trials.
