2 Fox Focus | Research
With Foundation Support , Maintaining Momentum in PD Research Is Possible
Even in uncertain times , one thing is certain : The Michael J . Fox Foundation ’ s ( MJFF ) mission to overcome research roadblocks and enable progress toward tangible outcomes remains constant . Maintaining momentum in Parkinson ’ s research has been the Foundation ’ s top priority as we ’ ve spent this unprecedented year flexing to meet the needs of the scientific and patient community .
And today , more therapies are coming to market , and more next-generation trials are advancing .
Early Investments Pay Off
In May , we marked another key achievement in the Foundation ’ s timeline , the second approval of an MJFF-funded therapy . Kynmobi from Sunovion Pharmaceuticals is an under-the-tongue film strip of apomorphine . Our Foundation funded early trials to give patients an easy-to-use option during “ off ” episodes when symptoms are not well controlled with oral medication .
Later this summer another new Parkinson ’ s treatment came to market — marking 17 in the past six years . Medtronic ’ s Precept deep brain stimulation ( DBS ) system records brain activity , which may help care providers assess and optimize DBS impact .
From Science to Solutions
Sustaining momentum requires focusing critical dollars to cutting-edge research with sound scientific rationale and great potential impact on patient lives . As this publication went to press , in 2020 , we have committed nearly $ 60 million through 170 grants to researchers worldwide .
We are directing $ 1.6 million to Doris Du Wang , MD , PhD , at the University of California , San Francisco to test adaptive DBS for gait and balance . An adaptive system would stimulate the brain only when needed ( rather than continuously ), potentially leading to better outcomes and fewer side effects .