The Michael J. Fox Foundation Annual Report | Page 32

MJFF SPEARHEADS A RARE
CONSORTIUM OF COMPETITORS
In 2013, biotechnology company Genentech observed changes in
the lung tissue of pre-clinical models after introducing a LRRK2
inhibitor. While it was unclear whether such changes would translate to
safety issues for Parkinson’s patients, any such modification requires
a strategy to reassess the safety of the therapy for use in human
treatments. In light of the concerns around LRRK2 inhibitors, MJFF
held a meeting with field leaders in January 2014. In an extremely
rare example of collaboration among competitors, three major
pharmaceutical firms with LRRK2 inhibitors in their development
pipelines — Genentech, Merck and Pfizer — signed on to partner
with MJFF on a LRRK2 Safety Initiative. Each member submitted a
different LRRK2 inhibitor compound to an MJFF-chosen neutral site
for independent testing, and data was shared across the consortium.
Earlier this spring, the safety initiative resulted in promising data for
the continued development of LRRK2. As a result, Merck and Pfizer
announced plans to continue their LRRK2 development.

THE MICHAEL J. FOX FOUNDATION
ANNUAL REPORT 2014