2021 in Review and What ’ s Next
5
Tracing Parkinson ’ s
An imaging tracer is a long-sought tool for drug development . MJFF is a lead funder in efforts to validate tracers for alpha-synuclein and other targets .
What : Historically , researchers have relied on post-mortem studies to understand the roles of various proteins in the brain . Imaging tracers are groundbreaking research tools that allow scientists to visualize proteins in the living brain .
How : A small , radioactive tracer compound , injected in the arm , travels to the brain and “ tags ” itself onto the targeted protein . A brain scan is then done to measure the tracer and thereby visualize the protein .
Why : Measuring levels and location of a protein in the brain can help scientists understand its role in disease , track progression , select study volunteers and assess a drug ’ s efficacy . An Alzheimer ’ s therapy was recently approved based on imaging tracer data ( see page 17 ).
When : Backed by philanthropist and Citadel CEO Ken Griffin , MJFF granted millions to three teams currently racing to develop Parkinson ’ s tracers . Results from AC Immune ’ s latest trial of a tracer compound are expected in 2021 .