The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research has awarded a total of US$ 2 million to five research teams carrying out clinical studies to refine understanding of postural instability and gait disturbances (PIGD) in Parkinson’s disease, and help speed the development of urgently needed treatments. The funding was made possible by a generous lead gift from The Edmond J Safra Foundation, a steadfast supporter of The Michael J Fox Foundation’s mission to speed transformative treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

PIGD encompasses a constellation of Parkinson’s symptoms including freezing of gait, difficulty initiating movement, shuffling, falling and other specific problems with balance. No currently available PD treatments alleviate these symptoms. Their biological causes are not well understood and may originate outside the dopamine system, as these symptoms respond inconsistently or not at all to dopamine replacement therapy.

As with all MJFF awards, continued funding is dependent on researchers’ achieving predetermined milestones.

The Michael J Fox Foundation is dedicated to ensuring the development of better treatments, and ultimately a cure, for Parkinson’s disease through an aggressively funded research agenda. MJFF has funded over US$ 165 million in research to date.