The Michael J. Fox Foundation announces the availability of up to $7 million to fund research projects to expand the understanding of Parkinson’s disease and to accelerate drug development.

The programs available for funding aim to use novel technologies to treat one of Parkinson’s most serious symptoms; increase understanding and development of two leading drug targets; and develop tests to quantify disease pathology.

“We are working diligently toward breakthroughs for people with Parkinson’s and are committed to helping make therapy options available to treat the disease,” says MJFF CEO Todd Sherer, PhD, in a media release.

“We are proud of our dedication to using patient-raised capital to speed the outcomes patients need. The targeted funding programs announced today will fuel cutting-edge research in areas of significant scientific potential, providing multiple shots on goal.”

The funding is available for research in the following four fields of inquiry, per the release:

Easing an Untreated Symptom: Non-pharmacological Interventions for Gait and Balance Problems ($2 million). Applicants may request up to $500,000. This program is not appropriate for cognitive strategies or exercise programs.

Clearing the Clumps: Alpha-synuclein Biology and Therapies ($1.5 million). Applicants may request up to $150,000 for biological investigations or $500,000 for novel therapeutic development.

Profiling a Leading Genetic Cause: GBA Biology and Therapies ($1.5 million), co-led with the Silverstein Foundation for Parkinson’s with GBA. Applicants may request up to $150,000 for biological investigations or $500,000 for novel therapeutic development.

Measuring Disease: Protein Handling, Exosome and Lipidomics Biomarkers ($2 million). Requested funding support through this RFA should be commensurate with the stage of development and work proposed.

Pre-proposals are due Thursday, May 31, 2018, at 5 pm ET. Funding is anticipated in November 2018.

The Foundation will host an informational webinar on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 12 pm ET to review the aims of these programs, detail the MJFF funding process and answer applicant questions.

To register for the webinar and download funding applications, visit The Michael J. Fox Foundation.

[Source(s): The Michael J. Fox Foundation, PR Newswire]