Study Rationale: Companies are currently using artificial intelligence (AI) to design and develop new drugs and developing new ways to get drugs across the protective blood-brain barrier (BBB) and into the brain. The objective of this study is to identify which technologies and approaches may be most relevant for developing therapies for Parkinson’s disease (PD) and to help The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) make informed choices about how to partner with these types of companies in the future.
Hypothesis: We hypothesize that a limited set of the companies taking advantage of AI and developing new technologies for bridging the BB will have direct relevance for treating PD and that it will be critical to be able to distinguish those with the highest potential for future partnerships with MJFF.
Study Design: We will conduct a thorough analysis of published papers, expert reports, broker and investor documents and pipeline databases, and we will combine these findings with interviews of approximately 25 experts in AI and BBB technology to map out and understand potential PD applications.
Impact on Diagnosis/Treatment of Parkinson’s disease: This project will help assess the types of technology and potential applications in AI and BBB. Understanding these fields will enable MJFF to make better-informed decisions regarding selection of potential partners with the greatest potential to impact drug development in PD.
Next Steps for Development: If successful, results from this study will help MJFF decide where and how to best invest in AI and BBB technologies to improve care for and lives of people with PD.