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Charles River Laboratories Announces Extended Relationship with The Michael J. Fox Foundation
Extension includes new project to phenotype Parkinson’s disease models and the continuation of LRRK2 research
- The in vivo phenotyping of an α-synuclein knockout model and an α-synuclein A53T knockin model; and
- Establishment and validation of a pre-clinical model to test LRRK2 kinase inhibitors.
In Vivo Phenotyping
With MJFF support, Charles River has launched a new project, focused on in vivo phenotyping of an α-synuclein knockout model and an α-synuclein A53T knockin model. Over the next two years, Charles River will develop and provide a baseline phenotype of these models, creating invaluable tools to drive discovery programs aimed at bringing novel PD therapies to the clinic.
LRRK2 Inhibitors
Additionally, Charles River and MJFF have renewed a longstanding project to continue advancing efforts to test novel small molecule LRRK2 kinase inhibitors. The inhibition of the kinase LRRK2, which in humans has been genetically linked to development of PD, is a promising novel therapeutic strategy. The goal is to determine optimal dosing strategies to achieve efficacy with LRRK2 inhibitors, while avoiding the lung alterations that have been reported in previous research.
Approved Quotes
- “We are extremely proud of the work we’ve completed with MJFF. Together, we’ve made strides toward discovering novel therapies for PD patients. We look forward to continuing our collaboration, and believe we will make additional scientific contributions toward MJFF’s cutting-edge research.” –Birgit Girshick, Corporate Executive Vice President, Discovery and Safety Assessment, Charles River
- “We are enthusiastic about the start of our new project, phenotyping research models with support from MJFF. It is extremely rewarding for our teams to know that they are making visible progress toward bringing a novel PD therapy to the clinic.” –Robert Hodgson, PhD, Director In Vivo CNS, Integrated Drug Discovery, Charles River
- “The Michael J. Fox Foundation is committed to advancing tools and pre-clinical models that speed Parkinson’s research toward urgently needed breakthroughs for patients. Charles River’s strong portfolio of early discovery services has made them a natural partner for us, and we look forward to seeing the outcomes of these projects, which may have a significant impact on development of new treatments for the millions living with this disease.” –Nicole Polinski, PhD, Associate Director of Research Programs, MJFF
About
As
the world’s largest private funder of Parkinson’s research,
About Charles River
Charles River provides essential
products and services to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology
companies, government agencies and leading academic institutions around
the globe accelerate their research and drug development efforts. Our
dedicated employees are focused on providing clients with exactly what
they need to improve and expedite the discovery, early-stage development
and safe manufacture of new therapies for the patients who need them. To
learn more about our unique portfolio and breadth of services, visit www.criver.com.
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Source:
Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.
Investor Contact:
Susan
E. Hardy, 781-222-6190
Corporate Vice President, Investor Relations
susan.hardy@crl.com
or
Media
Contact:
Amy Cianciaruso, 781-222-6168
Corporate Vice
President, Public Relations
amy.cianciaruso@crl.com