The Michael J. Fox Foundation Annual Report 2015 – Purpose. Partnership. Progress. | Page 15

Leveraging the Power
of Everyone’s Data

—DARRYLE SCHOEPP, PhD
Merck & Co.

“Parkinson’s research is an
ecosystem, and The Michael J. Fox
Foundation is at its center. In the
end, we all want to find a therapy
for PD. To do that you need the best
information — including about the
targets and potential biomarkers.
No one company or single academic
lab can do that effectively.”

MJFF’S EFFORTS TO FACILITATE COOPERATION

companies to support the Parkinson’s Progression

BETWEEN DRUG DEVELOPMENT LEADERS —

Markers Initiative and to determine the relationship

from biotech startups to industry giants — help

between LRRK2 and other proteins.

clear hurdles to a cure. Yet, data sharing and
comparison among companies are atypical for
research organizations.

A 25-year veteran of PD research, Dr. Schoepp first
began investigating Parkinson’s and treatments
to block the breakdown of dopamine in graduate

The Foundation’s uniquely solution-driven

school. When his mother was diagnosed with

approach is welcomed by partners such as Darryle

Parkinson’s nearly a decade ago, the critical

Schoepp, PhD, who serves as vice president and

need for a cure was driven home in a new way,

head of neuroscience research, discovery, pre-

strengthening his commitment to MJFF and its

clinical and early development of Merck & Co.

robust work bringing competitors together. The

Merck is one of the Foundation’s longstanding

Foundation thanks Dr. Schoepp and our many

collaborators, working with MJFF and other

industry partners for their collective support.

2015 Annual Report

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