The first time my company, Ceregene, Inc., applied for funding to support our Phase 1 clinical trial, The Michael J. Fox Foundation and its advisors reviewed our application extremely carefully. They pored over every detail, even requesting substantial supplemental data before eventually coming to a positive decision. Because we delivered on every milestone and goal over the course of executing the protocol, I have to admit I thought our second application (to support a ‘follow on’ Phase 2 protocol) would be a “slam dunk.” Nothing could have been further from the truth. We went through the entire, detailed process all over again.

 

There are no free rides at MJFF, no favors. For any applicant, at any time, no matter his or her track record, the Foundation’s operative question is: What can you do for Parkinson’s patients now?

 

Believing that integrity and credibility are extremely important characteristics, I can often “smell” it when people have mixed agendas. I hold everyone at The Michael J. Fox Foundation in very high regard. I’ve worked with many different funding organizations over a range of human diseases, and I’ve seen many where the primary mission seems to be one of self-perpetuation. That is completely not the case with MJFF. Everyone I’ve met at this Foundation is deeply committed to the mission of making life better for people with Parkinson’s.

 

I believe we are very close to finding treatments that can slow or halt the progression of PD. I’m excited about where the field stands today. I honestly believe the likelihood of making a substantial leap forward in the near future is excellent and I am delighted to be collaborating with MJFF to help make this dream a reality.