Michael J Fox Foundation announces 2017 highlights

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Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 4 January 2018

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The Michael J Fox Foundation has announced that it provided US$80 million in funding to over 240 investigators from academia, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and governments in 2017.

The organisation, which was founded in 2000 by the actor and person with Parkinson’s Michael J Fox, has funded a range of projects, focusing on: investigating Parkinson’s biological pathways, laboratory tools to accelerate Parkinson’s research, and growing the online Fox Insight study.

The foundation also shared the significant research progress that was made in 2017, such as the advancement of alpha-synuclien clinical trials, the release of new drugs to manage motor symptoms and the emergence of key technologies that provide insights to scientists.

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The Imperial College London Innovation Fund, UK, has invested £205,000 to support UK-based tech company Charco Neurotech in its development of a non-invasive medical device for people with Parkinson’s disease. CUE1, a circular device that attaches to the sternum with medical adhesives, uses specialised vibration to help alleviate physical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Initial user testing among people with the condition found that the device improved movement by an average of 16%, with testers reporting benefits for walking and fine motor tasks. Lucy Jung, CEO and co-founder of Charco Neurotech, said: “We believe that CUE1 has the potential to significantly improve [Parkinson’s disease] symptoms through its unique controlled vibration technology. We are excited to continue our work on the device and we look forward to the outcome of our proposed clinical trials.” Charco Neurotech will use the Imperial College investment to initiate a clinical trial and fund the device’s manufacture for…

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Michael J Fox Foundation announces 2017 highlights

News

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 4 January 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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New study brings scientists a “vital step” closer to understanding Parkinson’s disease

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Michael J Fox Foundation announces 2017 highlights

News

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 4 January 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Interviews

World Parkinson Congress 2019 Bloggers: Allison Smith

Europe

Parkinson’s 100 Challenge: the story so far…

Interviews

“I came home, spoke to my wife, and we cried together”

New biotech to drive forward GDNF treatment for Parkinson’s disease

New wearable medical device for Parkinson’s disease to launch this year

New study brings scientists a “vital step” closer to understanding Parkinson’s disease

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