NEW YORK, June 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The
Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF) and The
Michael Stern Parkinson's Research Foundation (MSPRF) announced
today the merging of their organizations to advance cutting-edge
research focused on the underlying cause, diagnosis and treatment
of Parkinson's disease (PD). The partnership creates the Michael
Stern Discovery Grants in Parkinson's Science to support high-risk
discovery work as the backbone of drug development.
"For nearly 15 years, The Michael Stern Parkinson's Research
Foundation has championed a strategic approach to advancing the PD
research field. We share a dedication to progress and to ensuring
the most promising research gets the right support from critical
early stages," said Todd Sherer,
PhD, CEO of The Michael J. Fox Foundation. "In forming this
partnership, our Foundation will work to continue Michael Stern and MSPRF's legacy in the
Parkinson's and scientific community."
Honoring a Legacy of Supporting Scientific
Breakthroughs
Today, unprecedented scientific opportunities
exist that can dramatically improve scientists' understanding of PD
and fill the drug development pipeline with new and promising
targets. The merger will continue the vital work of MSPRF through
grants funding neurological research with strong potential to
develop novel disease-modifying and symptomatic targets.
The Michael Stern Parkinson's Research Foundation was founded by
Rome- and New York-based journalist, filmmaker and
philanthropist Michael Stern with a
vision of uncovering the cause and improving treatments for PD, and
renewed its commitment after his passing in 2009. Since its
inception in 2001, MSPRF has supported more than $46 million in research.
"Our Foundation has always been driven by the profound need to
identify discoveries in understanding and curing Parkinson's," said
Margaret Stern, MSPRF Chair and CEO
and Mr. Stern's daughter. "Our partnership with The Michael J. Fox
Foundation reinforces our commitment to scientific collaboration
and progress. My brother and I know that this merger is one that
our father would have heartily approved of and fully endorsed."
Expanding a Commitment to Turn the Best Ideas Into Practical
Treatments
The Michael Stern Discovery Grants in Parkinson's
Science will provide strategic funding for novel PD discovery
science and build on the initial findings around emerging targets,
helping speed them forward in the drug development process. In
alignment with its grant selection process, MJFF's expert on-staff
research team will work in partnership with external experts
through a peer-review system to identify, evaluate and award work
with the greatest promise to propel development of transformative
therapies for PD.
The MJFF was represented by the law firm Schaner & Lubitz,
PLLC in connection with the merger.
About The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's
Research
As the world's largest nonprofit funder of
Parkinson's research, The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to
accelerating a cure for Parkinson's disease and improved therapies
for those living with the condition today. The Foundation pursues
its goals through an aggressively funded, highly targeted research
program coupled with active global engagement of scientists,
Parkinson's patients, business leaders, clinical trial
participants, donors and volunteers. In addition to funding
more than $450 million in research to
date, the Foundation has fundamentally altered the trajectory of
progress toward a cure. Operating at the hub of worldwide
Parkinson's research, the Foundation forges groundbreaking
collaborations with industry leaders, academic scientists and
government research funders; increases the flow of participants
into Parkinson's disease clinical trials with its online tool, Fox
Trial Finder; promotes Parkinson's awareness through high-profile
advocacy, events and outreach; and coordinates the grassroots
involvement of thousands of Team Fox members around the world.
For more information, visit us on the Web, Facebook, Twitter,
LinkedIn and Pinterest.
About The Michael Stern Parkinson's Research
Foundation
From founding in 2001, The Michael Stern
Parkinson's Research Foundation has been a leading funder of
science on Parkinson's disease, sponsoring research at top academic
centers headed by the foremost leaders in Parkinson's research,
with not less than 95% of every dollar raised going directly to
research.
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SOURCE The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's
Research