Parkinson's Virtual Biotech

The Parkinson's Virtual Biotech is our drug discovery and development programme. It's a groundbreaking global movement to deliver life-changing new treatments in years not decades. What is the Virtual Biotech? The Parkinson's Virtual Biotech was founded in 2017. Like other biotechs, it uses cutting edge biological and chemical research to come up with new treatments. But because it’s driven by people with Parkinson’s, it takes a uniquely innovative approach to get results, faster. Drug development takes years. And if a drug discovery looks promising but is considered too difficult, or might not make a financial return, a typical biotech investor won’t put money into developing it further. That’s where we identified a gap in the market. Because we’re here for people with Parkinson’s, not for profit, we’ll invest where others won’t. We carefully select the projects with the greatest potential to transform life for people with Parkinson’s. We invest in rapidly testing and developing them. In just 5 years we’ve supported 13 projects including 6 clinical trials that are hoping to target the earliest signs of Parkinson's, testing treatments for dementia, hallucinations, dyskinesia (involuntary movements) and psychosis in Parkinson’s. Our aim is to fast track promising potential treatments through the research pipeline. How does it work? We use a pioneering model to drive investment in the most promising Parkinson’s research, adapting methods from business and venture capital financing to serve the needs of people with Parkinson’s. So instead of just providing grants, we provide seed funding. We act as investors, with the experts and resources to actively monitor and manage each project. We understand the drug development business and are driven by results. If one project stalls, we move the money into one that’s more promising. It's a bold step for a charity. But it’s working. The next treatment is closer than ever. Want to work with us? We’re leading collaboration on a global scale. And we need you. The Virtual Biotech is made up of: over 60 funders, research organisations, universities, biotech companies, trial centres and charities from France to Finland, China to Canada a long term, multi-million dollar strategic partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation over 400 dedicated people stepping up to take part in pioneering clinical trials thousands of generous supporters uniting to find a cure. Everyone can play a part in the search for a cure for Parkinson's. From funding to volunteering, the more people who get involved, the faster we'll get there. Join the movement. Together we’ll find a cure.