XingImaging, in collaboration with SynuSight Biotech, has received a grant of $3.84 million from The Michael J. Fox Foundation to advance the development of the 18F-FD4, a PET tracer specifically targeting α-synuclein for Parkinson’s disease and related disorders. This significant funding will facilitate crucial studies aimed at enhancing the understanding and diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, which currently affects over 10 million people globally.
The partnership aims to establish the 18F-FD4 as the first α-synuclein-targeted PET tracer, addressing a critical need in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. Parkinson’s disease, the second most common neurodegenerative condition after Alzheimer’s, is characterized by the loss of dopamine neurons and the accumulation of α-synuclein aggregates in the brain. These pathological changes lead to debilitating symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, cognitive decline, and a loss of the sense of smell.
Advancing Diagnostic Tools
The current diagnostic process for Parkinson’s disease heavily relies on clinical assessments, which often delay diagnosis until significant neuronal damage has occurred. Early symptoms, which may include subtle movement changes and sleep disturbances, can overlap with other conditions, complicating accurate diagnosis. Existing imaging tools, like DATScan, provide insights into dopaminergic dysfunction but lack specificity for molecular biomarkers.
The research and development team at SynuSight has utilized structural biology techniques to understand the molecular architectures of α-synuclein fibrils. This work has enabled the design of the 18F-FD4 tracer, which shows promise in selectively binding to α-synuclein fibrils. Early preclinical and clinical trials indicate robust binding capabilities, allowing for the identification of α-synuclein pathology in the early stages of related disorders.
Roger Gunn, Chief Scientific Officer at XingImaging, expressed optimism about the project, stating, “This represents a pivotal opportunity to advance one of the most promising alpha-synuclein PET tracers in humans, ensuring its full characterization and optimization for imaging in Parkinson’s disease.” He acknowledged the support from The Michael J. Fox Foundation, emphasizing its role in enhancing understanding of the disease.
Future Implications for Treatment
The potential of 18F-FD4 extends beyond diagnosis; it may also play a significant role in clinical trials for new treatments. Roger Fan, CEO of SynuSight Biotech, highlighted that the early trials have already shown superior imaging performance in patients with Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, and REM sleep behavior disorder. The support from the foundation positions the team to accelerate validation efforts through additional clinical studies.
Jamie Eberling, PhD, Senior Vice President of Research Resources at The Michael J. Fox Foundation, remarked on the importance of this advancement, stating, “XingImaging and SynuSight Biotech’s 18F-FD4 programming is another hopeful step toward an urgently needed tool that could clearly measure, quantify, and visualize brain pathology in Parkinson’s disease.”
As the research progresses, both XingImaging and SynuSight Biotech remain committed to pioneering innovative solutions for neurodegenerative diseases. Their collaborative efforts aim to transform the diagnostic landscape and ultimately improve patient outcomes for millions living with these conditions.
