The progress that’ s coming in biomarker testing promises to move us closer to the treatments we need that stop the disease.
FASTER CLINICAL TRIALS
THE MICHAEL J. FOX FOUNDATION 2025 YEAR IN REVIEW
Biomarker Research Advances to the Next Frontier: Tracking and Monitoring Parkinson’ s Progression
Biomarkers, short for“ biological markers,” are tools that objectively detect and measure the biology that underlies our health. Some common biomarkers include body temperature and heart rate. A DNA sequence on a gene or an abnormal finding on an imaging test also can function as a biomarker.
The progress that’ s coming in biomarker testing promises to move us closer to the treatments we need that stop the disease.
Mark Frasier, PhD
In 2023, researchers reported a breakthrough biomarker for alpha-synuclein, the misfolded protein that is a hallmark of PD, in spinal fluid. It makes objective detection of PD possible even years before symptoms become visible. Researchers used PPMI data to show that the biomarker works with a high degree of accuracy. This breakthrough changed what’ s possible in PD research, but it’ s just the first step. Galvanized by the advance, MJFF activated an aggressive effort to improve and expand biomarkers for PD.
The MJFF Quantitative Biomarkers Program( QBio) now funds pivotal research toward a wide range of tools to biologically measure and track the progression of PD from its earliest detection through more advanced stages. To date, MJFF has awarded more than 20 grants through QBio to university research teams and biotech and diagnostic companies. All are developing tools with potential to deliver clinical trial-ready quantitative
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