Harness Therapeutics Receives Grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

Harness Therapeutics Receives Grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

Harness Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, has received a grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. The grant will support Harness' Parkinson's disease program targeting glucocerebrosidase (GCase) and lysosomal integral membrane protein-2 (LIMP2) in GBA1-PD. Mutations in the GBA1 gene are a common genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease, affecting glycosphingolipid homeostasis and disease progression.

Harness will use its proprietary MISBA® platform technology to upregulate GCase and LIMP2 simultaneously. This approach aims to increase GCase levels and ensure proper localization in cells, potentially modifying the disease's underlying biology. The two-year program will focus on demonstrating proof-of-concept for controlled upregulation of GCase and LIMP2 to identify potential therapeutic candidates for further development.

This initiative expands Harness' neurodegenerative disease pipeline, which includes HRN001 for Huntington's disease and programs in ALS and Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Jan Thirkettle, CEO of Harness Therapeutics, expressed excitement about the grant and the opportunity to address Parkinson's disease through their platform. The company is committed to advancing research in neurodegenerative diseases to deliver transformative therapies for patients.