The $322,000 grant is a supplemental award to expand on promising initial research conducted by ACADIA under an earlier grant from MJFF.
The new grant is intended to expand upon the work originally awarded through the TDI program, the company said.
ACADIA discovered compounds that selectively activate Nurr1-RXR complexes and promote viability of dopamine-containing neurons.
These compounds were effective in restoring motor function and neuronal health in preclinical models of Parkinson’s disease.
Further studies will focus on the therapeutic potential and pharmacokinetics of Nurr1-RXR selective agonists.
ACADIA chief executive officer Uli Hacksell said the company will advance innovative therapeutic approaches that have the potential to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease and related neurological disorders.