Vincere Biosciences has received a $5 million grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. This significant award will accelerate the company’s lead USP30 inhibitor program toward clinical testing in 2026. The funding, provided through the Foundation’s Therapeutics Pipeline Program, will support Investigational New Drug-enabling studies and biomarker development work to guide the program’s transition from laboratory research to human clinical trials.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Therapeutics Pipeline Program backs therapeutic candidates with strong potential to alter the trajectory of Parkinson’s disease or significantly reduce symptom burden. Vincere’s USP30 inhibitor is designed to be a first-in-class therapeutic addressing mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired mitophagy, both of which are known drivers of neuronal vulnerability in Parkinson’s disease. By selectively inhibiting USP30, a mitochondrial deubiquitinating enzyme that negatively regulates mitophagy, Vincere aims to restore mitochondrial quality control and slow or halt neurodegeneration. The company stated that this approach could improve the quality of life for millions of people living with Parkinson’s.
The grant will fund pharmacology, toxicology, and regulatory activities necessary for a successful IND submission to the United States Food and Drug Administration. It also supports biomarker development intended to measure target engagement and inform clinical translation. This latest award builds on previous support that The Michael J. Fox Foundation provided in 2019 and 2022 to advance Vincere’s preclinical research.
Vincere noted that enthusiasm around USP30 has increased in recent years following its prioritization by the company’s AI discovery platform in 2018. The new funding is expected to strengthen the company’s position as it continues partnership discussions with larger pharmaceutical organizations that could accelerate the therapy’s clinical development.
Founded in Boston, Vincere Biosciences develops small-molecule therapeutics focused on mitochondrial repair and recycling to treat neurodegenerative and age-related conditions. Its lead USP30 inhibitor is an oral, brain-penetrant development candidate now advancing through IND-enabling studies with support from the Foundation.
KEY QUOTES:
“The Michael J. Fox Foundation remains steadfast in our mission to accelerate the development of transformative treatments and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Our collaboration with Vincere Biosciences over the years has supported the advancement of research targeting mitochondrial dysfunction, a key driver of Parkinson’s pathology. This next phase of work builds on that foundation and represents important progress toward disease-modifying therapies that could meaningfully improve patients’ lives.”
Jessica Tome Garcia, PhD, Lead Scientific Program Manager, The Michael J. Fox Foundation
“Mitochondria sit at the crossroads of Parkinson’s and aging (the biggest risk factor for Parkinson’s), fix the mitochondria and you strike at the root of the disease. MJFF’s support helps us move that science from the lab to the clinic.”
Dr. Spring Behrouz, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Vincere Biosciences
“It’s been exciting to see growing enthusiasm for USP30 since our AI platform prioritized this target in 2018. The new support from MJFF positions the company well for ongoing partnering discussions with larger organizations who may accelerate clinical development of this promising approach.”
Andy Lee, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer, Vincere Biosciences
