Posted on February 3, 2012

Michael J. Fox Foundation Launches Pilot Partnering Program

The New York City-based Michael J. Fox Foundation has announced the launch of a pilot program designed to showcase promising research results in its portfolio for funders who might wish to invest in their continued development.

The program, which is designed to foster productive relationships between MJFF grantees and pharmaceutical companies and/or venture capital firms, is an extension of MJFF's mission to fund research at the pre-clinical stage and ultimately catalyze investment in Parkinson's drug development. To date, MJFF has awarded more than $275 million in research funding, $74 million of which has been directed to a hundred and fifty unique projects led by industry partners.

Select MJFF grantees will be asked to submit public overviews of their organization and projects, which will be made available for review by industry groups. Awardees spanning the PD drug development pipeline — from basic to clinical research, academia, and industry — will be showcased on a quarterly basis.

"More than just investing dollars, MJFF has developed direct, proactive relationships with industry, including advising companies about potential collaborative opportunities," said Sohini Chowdhury, senior vice president of research partnerships at MJFF. "The partnering program will formalize this process, encouraging select awardees to submit public overviews highlighting their organization, team, and projects."