Over the last few weeks many biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies working on therapies for Parkinson’s disease have announced partnerships and investments from larger companies and funders with deeper pockets. What does this mean for patients? There's a greater likelihood that these potential treatments will progress through development and testing -- and on to pharmacy shelves -- faster.

All of these projects have been supported by The Michael J. Fox Foundation, as well. Our de-risking model funds projects in the early development and testing phases so they can build the data to attract partners with the resources to bring them to the finish line. These partnerships and follow-on funding are important milestones on the path to getting these therapies into patients' hands.

Company: Civitas Therapeutics
Project: CVT-301 is an inhaled formulation of levodopa for fast-acting relief of "off" episodes.
Recently Announced: After $55 million in venture capital investment and filing for an initial public offering (IPO) earlier this year, Civitas announced earlier today that they have been acquired for $525 million by Acorda Therapeutics.
MJFF Investment: $1.3 million

Company: MedGenesis
Project: An optimized delivery technique for neurotrophic factors could help this therapy reach its brain target to restore damaged nerve cells.
Recently Announced: Pfizer signed on to continue development of this therapy. Terms were undisclosed.
MJFF Investment: $2.1 million

Company: Neuroderm
Project: ND-0612 is a pump-patch system of delivering levodopa and carbidopa continuously, under the skin, to reduce motor complications.
Recently Announced: After a $16 million venture capital investment earlier this year, Neuroderm filed for an IPO late this summer.
MJFF Investment: $2.5 million

Company: Sapiens
Project: Their system optimizes localization of deep brain stimulation to improve outcomes and avoid side effects.
Recently Announced: Medtronic acquired Sapiens for $200 million.
MJFF Investment: $366,000

Learn more about MJFF's funding programs and collaboration opportunities for industry.

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