Domain Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the R&D of new drug candidates targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), has received a second grant of $230,000from the Michael J. Fox Foundation(MJFF) for Parkinson’s research to support its metabotropic glutamate receptor type III (mGluR3) positive allosteric modulators (PAM) program. The MJFF first supported the initial stages of this program in 2012 with a $300,000 grant.

Currently, marketed medications regulate only the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Although these drugs make patients’ life easier, they are not curative. In this context, Domain has generated an mGluR3 PAM program with the prospect of curing Parkinson’s disease.

“This new grant allows Domain to move forward its mGluR3 PAM program toward in vivo proof-of-concept and identification of a preclinical candidate,” said Pascal Neuville, board director and CEO of Domain Therapeutics. “It also increases our opportunities to meet pharma’s expectations, with the objective of reaching an effective partnership deal to ultimately help those living with Parkinson’s disease and enhance their quality of life.”

Domain discovered that mGluR3 PAMs already demonstrate, in vitro, a neuroprotective effect, mediated by the production of growth factors. Stimulating the production of these growth factors is essential for the survival of neurons. Throughout the rest of this year, Domain will identify the most favorable among its mGluR3 PAM leads in order to conduct proof-of-concept studies in Parkinson’s disease models.

“MJFF is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease, and stimulation of neurotrophic factors is one approach we find promising toward that goal,” said Marco Baptista, associate director of research programs at MJFF. “Our support recognizes the quality of Domain’s mGluR3 PAM program and our confidence in the capacity of the company to progress this valuable asset.”