The Michael J. Fox Foundation Launches Initiative to Expedite Development of LRRK2-targeted Therapies and Biomarkers for Parkinson's Disease

The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) has launched the LRRK2 Investigative Therapeutics Exchange (LITE) program to accelerate research on the LRRK2 gene, a leading cause of inherited Parkinson’s disease. With “tens of millions of dollars” in grants over three years, LITE aims to translate scientific discoveries into drug development. The initiative, involving over 30 researchers and 12 companies, will explore diverse approaches to targeting the LRRK2 pathway, aiming to advance treatments and identify new biomarkers for clinical trials. Led by Dario Alessi, PhD, and Esther Sammler, MD, PhD, the program is expected to test several therapeutic strategies and set up an infrastructure for future research.