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And carrying a risk-associated genetic variant does not necessarily mean a person will develop Parkinson’s.
But genetics can reveal biological pathways involved in disease.
Those pathways can then become potential targets for treatment.
The Foundation has invested extensively in genetics research.
It has also supported efforts to make Parkinson’s genetic research more globally representative.
Historically, many genetic datasets were disproportionately drawn from people of European ancestry.
Expanding research across different populations can help scientists build a more complete understanding of Parkinson’s biology.
That work continues.
And it reflects a much larger shift.
Parkinson’s Research Became More Collaborative
Modern biomedical research increasingly depends on collaboration.
One laboratory may specialize in genetics.
Another may specialize in imaging.
Another may work on biomarkers.
Pharmaceutical companies may develop experimental drugs.
Universities may conduct clinical studies.
Government agencies may provide research funding.
Patients provide biological samples and invaluable lived experience.
Data scientists analyze enormous datasets.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation has positioned itself as a connector across many of those groups.
Its approach emphasizes sharing data and accelerating promising research.
The organization has also been willing to fund projects at stages that traditional investors may consider too uncertain.
The logic is straightforward.
If early scientific risk can be reduced, potentially useful ideas may become attractive enough for larger clinical development programs.
That model takes patience.
But Fox’s personal experience has given the mission a sense of urgency.
A Life Measured in Decades, Not Predictions
When Fox received his diagnosis at 29, he could not know what the next three decades would look like