Alpha-synuclein is a protein whose clumping is the pathological sign of Parkinson’s disease (PD).
NeuroPhage Preclinical R&D senior vice president Kimberley S Gannon said the grant will provide NeuroPhage with access to world class experts in PD and they look forward to a productive relationship with MJFF.
NeuroPhage will evaluate the effect of NPT001, a novel therapeutic in development for Alzheimer’s disease on alpha-synuclein levels in a pre-clinical model of PD.
In preliminary preclinical studies, NPT001 has been found to reduce brain levels of alpha-synuclein.
MJFF Research programs associate director Kuldip Dave said alpha-synuclein is a high-priority target for the foundation, as there is evidence that it may play a role in both genetic and idiopathic cases of PD.
"NeuroPhage’s unique approach has the potential to reduce levels of alpha-synuclein in the brain, which could, in turn, lead to novel therapies to treat PD," Dave added.