The Fox Focus Spring/Summer 2016

THE FOX FOCUS MARK SELIGER ON PARKINSON’S S P R IN G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 6 NE WSL E T T E R A NEW FUTURE FOR PARKINSON’S PUBLIC POLICY BY ALLYSE FALCE This spring, The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) and the Parkinson’s Action Network (PAN) announced plans to operate as a single organization, with the goal of advancing the development of improved Parkinson’s disease (PD) therapies and ensuring access to new treatments once they come to market. “The state of Parkinson’s drug development has changed considerably over the last decade, and as a result, so have advocacy priorities,” said Todd Sherer, PhD, MJFF CEO. “As more potential treatments enter clinical testing, we need an integrated public policy strategy to work with decision makers who dictate access to these therapies.” Key staff members from PAN will join MJFF to form the Foundation’s new Public Policy team, which will operate primarily out of Washington, DC. Ted Thompson, who served as president and CEO of PAN from 2014 to 2016, joins MJFF as senior vice president of public policy. “As we work to speed a cure, we must be equally focused on other therapies and services that benefit patients living with Parkinson’s disease today,” said Thompson. “Together we can move the needle on improved disability policies, better veteran benefits and broad access to a wide range of health care services.” An Evolving Landscape Since MJFF launched in 2000, the landscape of Parkinson’s disease drug development has evolved significantly. At MJFF’s founding, the state of Parkinson’s research as a whole lay primarily in basic research — continued on page 4› AD FOR MAVNICE DYSKINEASGING IA on pag e8 IN THIS ISSUE 7 Research Briefs FDA recommends approval of PD psychosis drug, a new clinical study of alpha-synuclein and the next generation of movement disorder specialists. 10 Ask the MD Learn how to advocate for your best care, navigate the Parkinson’s journey and optimize treatment. 12 The Power of the Patient Voice A Q&A with Parkinson’s advocates (and friends) Steve DeWitte and Israel Robledo. 16 How To: Speed a Cure Karen Jaffe (Shaking with Laughter) and Marcia Guberman (Pocono Fox Trot) shed light on hosting successful fundraisers. SPRING/SUMMER 2016 1