4D pharma PLC (LON:DDDD) has joined the initiative to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease being sponsored by Hollywood legend Michael J Fox.
In a statement, 4D pharma said its representatives will join the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) Scientific Advisory Board and be closely involved in the design and execution of the study.
“The Michael J Fox Foundation has made considerable contributions to the development of therapeutic solutions for the millions of people with Parkinson's disease," said Alex Stevenson, 4D pharma’s chief scientific officer in a statement.
“Joining the PPMI Scientific Advisory Board will enable 4D pharma to bring its leading expertise in Live Biotherapeutics and the gut-brain axis to the pioneering joint effort that is the PPMI," he added.
PPMI was launched by the Michael J Fox Foundation in 2010 to collect and analyse a suite of clinical, imaging and biological data over time to measure and track disease risk, onset and progression and to establish new biomarkers for use in clinical trials of disease-modifying therapies.
“4D pharma will play an important role as PPMI considers the microbiome as an area of focus, following a growing body of evidence pointing to the gut microbiome as a new frontier in our understanding and treatment of Parkinson's disease," Stevenson added.
Michael J Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991 at the age of 29.