Innovative antibody discovery could lead to new Parkinson’s treatments
Cambridge-based Alchemab Therapeutics has been awarded a substantial grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation to propel its research into Parkinson’s disease (PD).
The $595,000 grant will support Alchemab’s exploration of antibodies targeting prostaglandin biology, a novel approach that could transform PD treatment.
Alchemab’s research focuses on antibodies derived from individuals who show resilience to PD. The company’s cutting-edge platform, which combines proteomics, bioinformatics, and machine learning, has identified a target believed to contribute to disease resistance.
This research delves into the prostaglandin pathway’s role in disease progression, offering a potential new avenue for therapy.
The grant is part of MJFF’s Parkinson’s Disease Therapeutics Pipeline Program, which aims to foster therapeutic developments that meet the unmet medical needs of those with PD.
The program’s goal is to fund research that could prevent, halt, or delay disease progression, or alleviate daily symptoms.
Young Kwon, CEO of Alchemab, was enthusiastic about the collaboration: “We are delighted to be working with The Michael J. Fox Foundation… This exciting program is another example of the power of a patient-led, unbiased approach to target and therapeutics discovery.”
Sohini Chowdhury, chief program officer at MJFF, added: “Alchemab has a unique approach to its research. We hope that this work will expand new treatment pathways and bring hope to patients challenged by the disease.”
Alchemab’s innovative approach, supported by MJFF, could lead to significant advancements in understanding PD and developing targeted therapies, offering new hope to patients and their families.
