“MJFF is an incredibly savvy group. They understand the gap in funding between the NIH grants for early research and the venture capitalists, who tend to shy away from early research-stage firms.”
— Vicki Nienaber,
Zenobia Therapeutics
At The Michael J. Fox Foundation, we believe translation requires a new kind of stakeholder. Our Research Programs team, comprising on–staff PhDs as well as business–trained project managers, works closely with both industry and academic research teams at every stage of PD therapeutics development to catalyze and support the ideas that will help take the field over the finish line in its search for transformative treatments. We stand ready to help maximize the potential of a new or expanding Parkinson’s program.
Engaging Industry. Rethinking Impact.
An organization run by business leaders, we are realistic about how for-profit companies are incented to compete. We’re constantly seeking new ways to custom–fit promising ideas with any and every resource we can provide — financial, scientific, collaborative or otherwise. Our goal is straightforward: speed the results of good work toward clinical testing and patients in need.
Our Foundation sits at the hub of global Parkinson’s research. Each year our research staff, supported by an extensive network of scientific advisors, reviews up to 800 grant proposals; talks formally and informally with hundreds of the world’s top PD experts; and convenes dozens of conferences, meetings and workshops. Our unbiased expertise, coupled with our unparalleled view of the field, allows us to broker key introductions and foster critical collaborations that can propel the best ideas forward on their path toward regulatory approval and marketability.
Consider approaching us when you:
- seek an injection of non-dilutive capital to improve robustness of pre-clinical Parkinson’s data or add features to a clinical trial;
- need access to predictive tools to inform critical decisions in starting or expanding a Parkinson’s program;
- have an idea for a targeted partnership at a specific stage of the Parkinson’s drug development pipeline; or
- need the insight of a strategic consultant for the PD field.
We can connect potential partners, help identify the right animal model or assay, or assess emerging technologies for applicability to PD. We can help you understand the landscape of clinical research infrastructure for neurodegenerative disease. Whatever the need, we’re here to help make it happen. Our goal is to tailor a solution or identify someone who can.
We want to bridge the gap between your need for return on investment, and our need to accelerate treatments to patients. Read on to learn more about how we can make a difference for you.
“The topics and attendees, format and fast pace make the PD Therapeutics Conference a wonderful venue for understanding clinical implications of the most current PD research.”
— Lisa McConlogue, PhD,
Elan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Funding Opportunities
The Foundation encourages proposals from industry investigators and funds industry under all of its initiatives.
With 38 currently active industry collaborations, and 67 since inception*, we have a proven track record of effectively partnering with companies large and small on pre-clinical and clinical development. We do not seek ownership of IP generated from research we fund. Research priorities include biomarker development, validation of disease subtypes, development of top targets such as LRRK2, alpha-synuclein and trophic factors, and untreated symptoms and complications such as dyskinesia.
Our Therapeutics Development Initiative (next deadline: December 15, 2009) allocates $5 million a year exclusively for industry. Funding also is available to industry through our Edmond J. Safra Core Programs for PD Research — Rapid Response Innovation Awards, Target Validation and Clinical Intervention Awards — and directive “challenges” launched throughout the year.
See a full list of MJFF funding opps.
“MJFF’s transparency, dedicated and responsive staff, and sophisticated understanding of the PD research landscape for industry make the Foundation an ideal partner to explore our innovative ideas and targets in PD.”
— Thomas Sager,
H. Lundbeck A/S,
Denmark
Annual PD Therapeutics Conference
The Foundation’s third annual PD Therapeutics Conference — held in partnership with The New York Academy of Sciences and chaired by J. William Langston, MD — takes place September 30, 2009, in New York City. It brings together 200 or so academic and industry scientists from around the globe to focus on novel research advances impacting development of improved disease-modifying and symptomatic interventions for the diagnosis and treatment of PD.
Select MJFF awardees present work ripe for industry investment or follow-on funding to an audience of industry researchers and business development professionals and academic researchers. Topics include novel neuroprotective agents, innovative mechanisms to address disease symptoms and improvements in relevant pre-clinical models, and biomarker discovery/ development.
In addition to scientific talks, a small poster session highlights novel targets and animal models relevant to PD research. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Learn more about the PD Therapeutics Conference and register to attend.
“Partnering with MJFF was a fast, efficient way to get up and running — and to fund high-impact research that will help advance the entire field that much faster.”
— David Weiner,
EMD Serono, Inc.
The Power to Convene
MJFF proactively seeks out industry researchers and business development professionals for dozens of workshops and summits every year. Industry drug development expertise can help increase the likelihood of interpretable outcomes from all our investments.
PD Online Research complements these in-person sessions. A collaborative professional community of scientists and investment decision makers, PD Online Research helps to drive therapeutic development through online discussion about critical research priorities and directions. It is a one-stop shop for gaining a fast overview of the state of research into top therapeutic targets, availability of collaborators and tools and other information critical to decisions on starting or expanding a Parkinson’s program.
Visit pdonlineresearch.org to become a charter member.
Novel Partnership Arrangements
The Foundation enthusiastically partners with companies wishing to maximize the benefit of its extensive network and expertise in speeding shared research goals.
Partnerships may be structured around particular phases of PD drug development, top therapeutic targets, specific clinical features of PD, or other aspects of Parkinson’s drug development.
To date, the Foundation has launched two such partnerships:
Novel Approaches to Drug Discovery for Parkinson's Disease, with Elan Pharmaceuticals, Inc., supports work to optimize validated targets. Elan has a right of first negotiation for any compound meriting further investigation.
Cognitive Deficits and Mood Disorders in Parkinson's Disease, with Merck Serono (EMD Serono in North America), promotes preclinical and clinical research to develop treatments for cognitive deficits and behavioral disturbances associated with PD.
Support the Parkinson’s Community
Partnering with MJFF is an effective way to connect with new and proactive PD audiences. Sponsorship opportunities at varying levels include:
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson's is MJFF's annual New York City benefit evening of comedy and music. About 1,000 guests, including Michael's friends from television and film, join New York’s business, social and financial leaders and members of the PD community to raise millions of dollars for Parkinson’s research each year. Performers have included The Who, James Taylor, Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, Tony Bennett, Bon Jovi, John Mayer, Jon Stewart, Steven Colbert, Wanda Sykes and Robin Williams.
A Sunny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson's is MJFF's West Coast benefit, with past performances by Stevie Wonder and Joan Jett.
The PD Therapeutics Conference is the only major symposium exclusively focused on PD drug discovery and development. (See full description above.)
Research Roundtables and Virtual Roundtables take place around the country throughout the year. These meetings provide a crucial opportunity for Parkinson’s patients and supporters to hear the latest PD research news from the scientists directing the work. Audiences include patients, caregivers, healthcare providers and friends of the Foundation.
Watch video of our first Virtual Roundtable.
Team Fox™ is MJFF’s grassroots community fundraising program providing tools for individuals to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research. Since Team Fox was launched in early 2006, its members have raised $9 million for MJFF — as well as invaluable awareness of the race for a cure.
Contact Us
Sohini Chowdhury, Associate Director, Team Leader, Research Programs
Alison Urkowitz, Associate Director, Research Programs
research@michaeljfox.org
(800) 708-7644
Scientific Advisory Board
The Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board is a group of leading Parkinson’s researchers from both academia and industry, clinicians who work with Parkinson’s patients, and experts from related fields. These members come from all over the world to attend grant review assessments, workshops, and other relevant meetings to help determine which research programs will get us closer to improving Parkinson’s treatments and curing the disease.
