Michael J. Fox Foundation

Accure Therapeutics is a private pharma R&D engine at clinical stage in the CNS field.

Bexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Covington, Kentucky, focused on developing biologic therapies for cancer. Established in 2006, the company is pioneering innovative treatments, notably BXQ-350, which employs a unique mechanism of action to target and eliminate tumor cells. This approach involves the identification of Phosphatidylserine patches found on tumor cells and neovasculature, leading to apoptosis through the activation of acid sphingomyelinase, resulting in ceramide generation and elevated caspase levels. Additionally, Bexion aims to address challenges like chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy by programming cell death, reducing tumor proliferation, and stimulating the immune response.

NRG Therapeutics is a drug discovery company established in 2018 that specializes in developing therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring mitochondrial function to address neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and motor neuron disease. The company focuses on creating novel medicines that preserve mitochondrial function and halt disease progression. With a team experienced in neuroscience drug discovery, NRG Therapeutics is initially concentrating on the discovery and development of brain-penetrant inhibitors of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore specifically for Parkinson’s disease. This strategic focus is intended to empower physicians with effective treatment options for patients suffering from chronic neurodegenerative disorders.

Selonterra is a biopharmaceutical company that works on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease therapies and diagnostics. The company is based in the San Francisco Bay Area that is backed by venture capital.

Herantis Pharma is a biotechnology company focused on addressing unmet clinical needs through the development of disease-modifying therapies for Parkinson's disease. The company's primary development program centers on HER-096, a peptidomimetic molecule engineered to preserve the biological activity of the neuroprotective CDNF protein. By targeting the underlying mechanisms of the disease, Herantis Pharma aims to provide innovative treatment options for patients suffering from Parkinson's disease.

Alchemab Therapeutics Ltd is a biotechnology company based in London, established in 2019 by Uri Laserson and Jane Osbourn. The company focuses on discovering and developing novel therapeutics that utilize naturally protective antibodies to combat hard-to-treat diseases, including certain cancers, neurodegenerative conditions, and infectious diseases. Alchemab employs an unbiased, function-first approach to identify drug targets, leveraging three complementary processes and technologies to create a robust pipeline of antibody therapeutics. By harnessing these naturally occurring antibodies, Alchemab aims to provide innovative treatment options for patients facing challenging medical conditions.

Lucy Therapeutics is a biotech company focused on developing innovative treatments for neurological diseases that originate from mitochondrial dysfunction. The company utilizes a unique approach to drug discovery by targeting early disease mechanisms, which holds potential for addressing a range of neurological disorders, including Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease. In addition to its therapeutic efforts, Lucy Therapeutics is engaged in the development of proprietary small molecule therapies and diagnostic biomarkers aimed at enhancing the understanding and treatment of central nervous system conditions. By leveraging genetic technologies, the company aims to provide deeper insights into personalized medicine, thereby improving patient outcomes and enabling more precise healthcare interventions in the neurological field.

NeuroRestore is a research and innovation institution that develops and implements medical remedies to restore neurological functions.

IRLAB Therapeutics AB is a Swedish research and development company focused on creating innovative treatments for neurological disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease. The company is advancing several drug candidates, including Mesdopetam, a dopamine D3 receptor antagonist, and IRL752, which targets postural dysfunction. Both compounds have successfully completed Phase IIa clinical trials. Additionally, IRLAB is exploring other research programs aimed at addressing neurodegenerative disorders and aging, such as IRL942, P001, and P003, which seeks alternatives to levodopa for Parkinson’s treatment. By focusing on the core dysfunctions associated with Parkinson’s disease and dementias, IRLAB aims to enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from these conditions. The company is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Octave is a clinical platform developer focused on transforming the care landscape for multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases. The company's platform generates, analyzes, and integrates data to provide a comprehensive approach aimed at reducing the overall cost of care. By optimizing healthcare medications and utilization, Octave enables pharmaceutical companies to enhance the entire lifecycle of drug discovery, clinical trials, and post-marketing processes through the use of real-world evidence. This innovative approach seeks to improve patient outcomes while streamlining healthcare practices.

Cantabio Pharmaceuticals is a preclinical stage biotechnology company based in Palo Alto, California, dedicated to the research, development, and commercialization of innovative therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The company’s lead programs include CB101, a small molecule pharmacological chaperone targeting the DJ-1 protein for PD treatment; CB201, an engineered DJ-1 protein designed to penetrate the central nervous system for PD; CB301, a chaperone aimed at the Tau protein for AD; and CB401, which targets the Aβ protein for AD. Additionally, Cantabio has a collaboration with the Luxembourg Institute of Health to explore the therapeutic potential of the DJ-1 protein in immune-associated diseases. Founded in 2009, Cantabio is also involved in developing therapeutic proteins that can cross the blood-brain barrier to address protein function loss in various disease states.

Ventus Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel small molecule medicines aimed at treating autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer by targeting the innate immune system. The company employs a structural immunology platform that provides deep insights into the mechanisms and molecular structures involved in immune responses. This platform integrates proprietary protein engineering capabilities with advanced rational and structure-based drug design tools, allowing for precise targeting of the innate immune system. Ventus is actively building a pipeline of drug programs that address critical targets within this system, particularly proteins involved in inflammasome and nucleic acid-sensing signaling pathways, thereby enabling the treatment of both acute and chronic inflammatory and immune-related conditions.

Lys Therapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on developing therapies for patients with neurovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. The company is centered around its lead product, Glunozumab, a monoclonal antibody that operates through a unique mechanism of action. This drug induces off-target toxicity by hyperactivating vascular and neuronal NMDA receptors, which can lead to significant disruptions in the blood-brain and blood-spinal cord barriers, as well as neuronal excitotoxicity. These effects are particularly relevant in conditions such as stroke and multiple sclerosis, where the modulation of neuroinflammation is critical for treatment.

Selonterra is a biopharmaceutical company that works on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease therapies and diagnostics. The company is based in the San Francisco Bay Area that is backed by venture capital.

NRG Therapeutics is a drug discovery company established in 2018 that specializes in developing therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring mitochondrial function to address neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and motor neuron disease. The company focuses on creating novel medicines that preserve mitochondrial function and halt disease progression. With a team experienced in neuroscience drug discovery, NRG Therapeutics is initially concentrating on the discovery and development of brain-penetrant inhibitors of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore specifically for Parkinson’s disease. This strategic focus is intended to empower physicians with effective treatment options for patients suffering from chronic neurodegenerative disorders.

Esya is a biotech company that measures, monitors, assist drug development, and pre-assess patient cohorts for treatment.

Seelos Therapeutics, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing innovative therapeutics aimed at addressing unmet medical needs in central nervous system disorders and other rare conditions. The company's lead programs include SLS-002, an intranasal formulation of racemic ketamine designed to treat acute suicidal ideation and behavior in patients with major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder; SLS-005, a protein stabilizer for Sanfilippo syndrome; and SLS-006, a partial dopamine agonist for Parkinson's disease. Additionally, Seelos has several preclinical programs, such as SLS-007, an anti-alpha-synuclein peptidic inhibitor targeting Parkinson's; SLS-008, an antagonist for chronic inflammation in asthma; SLS-010, an oral treatment for narcolepsy; and SLS-012, an injectable therapy for post-operative pain management. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in New York, Seelos aims to improve patient outcomes in both psychiatric and movement disorders, including orphan diseases.

ZyVersa Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative drugs for patients suffering from inflammatory and renal diseases that have significant unmet medical needs. Based in Weston, Florida, the company has a promising pipeline that includes VAR 200, a cholesterol efflux mediator currently ready for phase 2a trials, aimed at treating focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a rare kidney disease. Additionally, ZyVersa is developing a novel inflammasome inhibitor, designed for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. The company utilizes advanced, proprietary technologies to create first-in-class therapies, underscoring its commitment to addressing the challenging medical needs in its target patient populations. ZyVersa Therapeutics was formerly known as Variant Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and rebranded in May 2019.

With a prolific platform of small molecule therapies, innate immune checkpoint inhibitors, cell based therapies, vaccines and oncolytic viruses, the central focus of EpicentRx Inc., a privately owned physician-led phase 3 clinical-stage immuno-oncology company located in San Diego, California, is on anticancer immunization and chemo/radioprotection of normal tissues. As a company of actively practicing oncologists/internists they at EpicentRx take cancer very very personally (in a literal and figurative sense) with the plight of the patient serving first and foremost as the motivation to customize or personalize their platform of immunotherapies both to individuals that are otherwise out of options and to groups of individuals with common and in many cases currently undruggable mutations.

Alzprotect is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing drug candidates for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease and orphan tauopathies like Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. The company's research emphasizes the role of hyperphosphorylated Tau proteins and associated inflammation in neuronal degeneration. By advancing its drug candidates from discovery through clinical trials, Alzprotect aims to provide effective therapeutic options for conditions characterized by abnormal tau protein aggregation and related neurodegenerative processes.

Lucy Therapeutics is a biotech company focused on developing innovative treatments for neurological diseases that originate from mitochondrial dysfunction. The company utilizes a unique approach to drug discovery by targeting early disease mechanisms, which holds potential for addressing a range of neurological disorders, including Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease. In addition to its therapeutic efforts, Lucy Therapeutics is engaged in the development of proprietary small molecule therapies and diagnostic biomarkers aimed at enhancing the understanding and treatment of central nervous system conditions. By leveraging genetic technologies, the company aims to provide deeper insights into personalized medicine, thereby improving patient outcomes and enabling more precise healthcare interventions in the neurological field.

NRG Therapeutics is a drug discovery company established in 2018 that specializes in developing therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring mitochondrial function to address neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and motor neuron disease. The company focuses on creating novel medicines that preserve mitochondrial function and halt disease progression. With a team experienced in neuroscience drug discovery, NRG Therapeutics is initially concentrating on the discovery and development of brain-penetrant inhibitors of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore specifically for Parkinson’s disease. This strategic focus is intended to empower physicians with effective treatment options for patients suffering from chronic neurodegenerative disorders.

MapLight Therapeutics offers a platform designed to discover and develop therapeutics for brain disorders. It combines single-cell transcriptomics and optogenetics to identify novel drug targets and develop effective therapies for brain disorders.

Lundbeck is a global pharmaceutical company highly committed to improving the quality of life of people living with psychiatric and neurological disorders. For this purpose, Lundbeck is engaged in the research, development, production, marketing, and sale of pharmaceuticals across the world. The company’s products are targeted at disease areas such as depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. According to the World Health Organization, WHO, more than 700 million cases of psychiatric and neurological disorders are reported every year. These are serious and life-threatening diseases that affect the quality of life of the patients as well as of their relatives. As these diseases also involve major socio-economic costs, it is imperative for the general society that new and innovative pharmaceuticals are developed. Over the past 50 years, new pharmaceuticals have revolutionized the treatment options, but there remains a large unmet need for new and innovative therapeutics. Focus on R&D is the most important pillar in Lundbeck’s ambition to improve treatment for people living with psychiatric and neurological disorders. We are specialists in our area and have research facilities in Denmark and China, and more than 1,000 employees work in our R&D units. We cooperate closely with strategic partners all over the world, ensuring the best possible foundation for innovation and the development of new treatment solutions. Lundbeck employs approximately 5,300 people worldwide, 1,700 of whom are based in Denmark. We have employees in 55 countries, and our products are registered in more than 100 countries. We have production facilities in China, Denmark, France and Italy and research centers in Denmark and China.

Nitrase Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical platform company focused on developing therapies targeting a newly identified class of enzymes known as Nitrases. Initially concentrating on Parkinson’s disease, the company aims to create drugs that may slow or halt the progression of this and other related neurodegenerative conditions. By leveraging its expertise in nitration, Nitrase Therapeutics seeks to explore the therapeutic potential of biochemical modifications of proteins, particularly through the identification of nitro-substrates and their involvement in various diseases. This approach positions the company to potentially expand its platform to address a broader range of medical conditions in the future.

Alkahest, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Carlos, California, founded in 2014. The company focuses on developing therapies derived from blood to address neurological diseases, particularly those associated with aging, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Alkahest's research has revealed that factors present in the blood plasma of younger mice can potentially reverse cognitive deficits in aging and Alzheimer’s disease models. Collaborating with Grifols, a global healthcare company known for its plasma therapies, Alkahest aims to enhance health and vitality through innovative treatments that target the effects of aging.

Addex Therapeutics Ltd is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Geneva, Switzerland, that specializes in the discovery, development, and commercialization of small-molecule drugs targeting central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The company primarily focuses on allosteric modulators, a novel class of orally available drugs that interact with G-protein coupled receptors, potentially offering advantages over traditional therapeutic approaches. Its lead product candidates include Dipraglurant for treating Parkinson's disease-related dyskinesia and dystonia, ADX71149 for epilepsy and other CNS disorders, and GABAB PAM for addiction. Addex has established a collaboration with Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. to develop mGluR2PAM compounds aimed at addressing various health issues. Founded in 2002, Addex Therapeutics continues to advance its innovative drug discovery platform to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients with neurological conditions.

Saniona is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to researching and developing innovative treatments for various diseases, including those affecting the central nervous system, autoimmune disorders, metabolic conditions, and pain management. The company specializes in the development of highly selective ion channel modulators, employing a technology platform that targets GABAA receptors, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and potassium channels. Its most advanced product candidate, Tesomet, is currently in mid-stage clinical trials for rare eating disorders. Additionally, Saniona is advancing two other product candidates: SAN711, which has successfully completed a Phase 1 clinical trial for neuropathic pain conditions, and SAN903, which is preparing to enter Phase 1 trials for inflammatory and fibrotic disorders. The company is committed to leveraging its expertise in ion channel modulation to create effective new medicines.

nLife Therapeutics S.L. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Granada, Spain, with an additional office in Barcelona. Founded in 2009, the company specializes in developing innovative treatments for central nervous system (CNS) and neuromuscular disorders through the use of cell-specific oligonucleotides. nLife Therapeutics is focused on creating a first-in-class disease-modifying therapy aimed at selectively silencing alpha-synuclein in monoaminergic neurons to address the toxic accumulation associated with Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, the company is working on therapies to treat Huntington's Disease by lowering levels of altered Htt in striatal and cortical neurons to hinder disease progression. Their technology platform enables the targeted delivery of conjugated nucleic acids to specific neurons via a single intra-nasal application, with ongoing efforts to advance clinical trials for these promising treatments.

ZelosDx specializes in the development of blood testing products aimed at advancing research in brain health and diseases. The company provides researchers with access to proprietary technology that can be licensed and adapted for blood testing kits and automated laboratory equipment. Additionally, it offers pharmaceutical collaborators biomarker technology to support drug discovery efforts. By delivering critical data for diagnosis, monitoring, and evaluating therapeutic responses, ZelosDx facilitates significant advancements in the understanding and treatment of brain-related conditions.

Addex Therapeutics Ltd is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Geneva, Switzerland, that specializes in the discovery, development, and commercialization of small-molecule drugs targeting central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The company primarily focuses on allosteric modulators, a novel class of orally available drugs that interact with G-protein coupled receptors, potentially offering advantages over traditional therapeutic approaches. Its lead product candidates include Dipraglurant for treating Parkinson's disease-related dyskinesia and dystonia, ADX71149 for epilepsy and other CNS disorders, and GABAB PAM for addiction. Addex has established a collaboration with Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. to develop mGluR2PAM compounds aimed at addressing various health issues. Founded in 2002, Addex Therapeutics continues to advance its innovative drug discovery platform to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients with neurological conditions.

Envoy Therapeutics focuses on drug discovery with the aim of developing new medications that demonstrate improved efficacy and reduced side effects compared to existing treatments. Utilizing its innovative bacTRAP® technology, the company identifies proteins produced by specific cell types in vivo, eliminating the need for cell isolation. This capability is particularly significant in brain tissues, where numerous cell types are closely intermingled. By allowing for the targeted modulation of specific cell types based on their unique protein expression, Envoy Therapeutics enhances the possibilities for therapeutic interventions, marking a significant advancement in the field of drug discovery.

Trevena, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania, established in 2007. The company is dedicated to the development and commercialization of innovative medicines aimed at treating central nervous system disorders. Its product candidates include Oliceridine injection, which is designed for managing moderate-to-severe acute pain and has completed Phase III clinical trials, and TRV250, a delta-opioid receptor agonist that has finished Phase I trials for acute migraine treatment. Other candidates in development include TRV734, targeting both acute and chronic pain, and TRV027, which is being evaluated for acute heart failure. Additionally, Trevena is collaborating with Imperial College London to study TRV027 in the context of COVID-19. The company employs a specialized approach using G protein biased ligands to enhance the efficacy and safety of its therapeutics, addressing the limitations of existing GPCR-targeted drugs.

Ceregene is a privately held biotechnology company based in San Diego, specializing in the treatment of major neurodegenerative disorders through the delivery of nervous system growth factors. The company's clinical programs feature CERE-110, an AAV2-based vector expressing nerve growth factor, which is set to enter Phase 2 studies for Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, CERE-120 has recently completed a Phase 2 trial for Parkinson's disease and is under evaluation for future development. Ceregene is also advancing two other treatments, CERE-135 and CERE-140, which are in preclinical stages targeting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and ocular diseases, respectively.

Omeros Corporation is a Seattle-based biopharmaceutical company that focuses on discovering, developing, and commercializing small-molecule and protein therapeutics for a range of indications, including inflammation, complement-mediated diseases, and central nervous system disorders. The company is known for its commercial product, OMIDRIA, which is used during cataract surgery in the United States. Omeros has several clinical programs, with its lead candidate, Narsoplimab, in Phase III trials for conditions such as thrombotic microangiopathy and immunoglobulin A nephropathy, as well as Phase II trials for lupus nephritis. Other clinical programs include OMS405 for opioid and nicotine addiction and OMS527 for addiction and compulsive disorders. The company also has a robust pipeline of preclinical programs targeting various disorders, including MASP-3 for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and a GPCR platform aimed at treating a broad range of diseases. Omeros was incorporated in 1994 and remains dedicated to addressing significant unmet medical needs.