In 2023, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) announced an enormous leap forward in the understanding of Parkinson’s disease with the discovery of a Parkinson’s biomarker. Researchers have discovered a new tool that can reveal a key pathology of the disease: abnormal alpha-synuclein (known as the “Parkinson’s protein”) in brain and body cells.
The breakthrough opens a new chapter for research, with the promise of a future where every person living with Parkinson’s can expect improved care and treatments — and newly diagnosed individuals may never advance to full-blown symptoms.
The Parkinson’s biomarker breakthrough was achieved by an international coalition of scientists led by MJFF and its landmark clinical study, Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), funded by Shake It Up in Australia.
Shake It Up CEO Vicki Miller says, “This is a significant breakthrough for Parkinson’s disease research and a milestone in the pursuit of a cure. It highlights why it is so crucial to fund ground-breaking research projects that are focused on creating real change for people living with Parkinson’s now and into the future.”
What the Parkinson’s biomarker breakthrough means
The tool, called the α-synuclein seeding amplification assay (αSyn-SAA), can detect pathology in spinal fluid not only of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s, but also in individuals who have not yet been diagnosed or shown clinical symptoms of the disease, but are at a high risk of developing it.
The assay can confirm the presence of abnormal alpha-synuclein, detected in most people with PD, with astonishing accuracy: 93 percent of people with Parkinson’s who participated in the assay were proven to have abnormal alpha-synuclein.
The new tool is already making clinical trials cheaper, faster and more effective. It’s also changing how we think about the disease and its symptoms, paving the way for a more personalised approach to treatment. On the heels of the biomarker breakthrough, researchers proposed the first biological staging system for Parkinson’s, which is a framework for defining and staging PD based on its underlying biology. And in September 2024, the FDA issued a letter of support endorsing use of the biomarker in research and clinical trials.
Researchers are continuing to explore uses for αSyn-SAA as a tool to better understand the progression of the disease and its origins.
Support cutting-edge Parkinson’s research
There is more progress being made in Parkinson’s research than ever before. This new breakthrough demonstrates the power of funding ground-breaking research that aims to slow, stop and cure Parkinson’s disease.
As Michael J. Fox says, “Our work is not finished. We need all of you to continue your commitment to see this advancement through to the next step: the road to a cure… Now that’s a future we can all look forward to.”
If you want to support Australian Parkinson’s research, simply click below to pledge a donation, participate in fundraising or sign up to take part in a clinical trial.
- Participate in Fundraising – Raise vital funds by getting your friends together for a picnic, or challenge yourself to pedal, push-up or pace for Parkinson’s. There are so many ways to fundraise and make a difference.
- Pledge a Donation – Pledge a donation for Parkinson’s research. 100% of all funds raised for Shake It Up Australia go directly to cutting-edge research, so you can be confident that your money is going straight to our best chance for a cure.
- Participate in Research – Be on the cutting edge of research and participate in clinical trials. Supporting research is a powerful way to make a difference for those living with Parkinson’s now and into the future.
Content shared from our partner The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
In the Media
Shake It Up featured in The Australian to share the news about the biomarker breakthrough. Joanne Colquhoun and Christine Allison Jeyachandran shared their personal stories and what an early diagnosis would mean for those living with Parkinson’s, and our founder Clyde Campbell and Professor Dominic Rowe from Macquarie University discussed the discovery – the biggest breakthrough in Parkinson’s research since the 1960s.
For the month of October only, a generous Shake It Up supporter has agreed to donate an additional $100 for EVERY new monthly donor sign up during October, until we reach our goal of 100 new monthly donors!
Our community of regular donors are vital for Shake It Up to confidently plan ahead and commit to funding new, world-leading Parkinson’s research right here in Australia, in partnership with The Michael J. Fox Foundation. 100% of all donations go directly to research, so you know you’re making a real difference.
