Research Projects
Our Research Focus
The Demoucelle Parkinson Charity supports Parkinson’s research with a clear and deliberate focus. This page explains what types of research we support, how projects are selected, and why we have made these choices. Our aim is to provide transparency for researchers and clarity for donors.
DPC focuses on disease-modifying and translational Parkinson’s research – research that seeks to slow, halt, or change the course of the disease itself rather than just managing symptoms. Within the broad research landscape, we concentrate our support where targeted funding acts as a catalyst for long-term progress.
Our strategy combines two pillars:
International Collaboration
Tapping into global excellence.
Targeted Support for Belgian Research
Strengthening our local scientific ecosystem.
We focus our resources where they can bridge the gap between a scientific discovery and a life-changing treatment.
Research Projects
Global Standards
A significant part of DPC’s portfolio is selected in partnership with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF). This allows us to rely on a world-class, independent scientific evaluation framework.
Through this partnership, we identify projects that:
Focus on disease-modifying therapeutic approaches.
Are typically at the pre-clinical stage or beyond.
Are conducted in Belgium and across Europe.
Following selection, DPC remains an active steward. We participate in scientific check-ins and assessments, allowing us to follow progress while benefiting from long-standing international expertise.
By aligning with international standards of excellence, we ensure that every euro contributes to the global fight against Parkinson’s
Research Projects
Belgian Innovation & De-risking Science
In addition to international collaborations, DPC runs its own initiatives to support early-translation research in Belgium. These focus on robust ideas that show clear potential to benefit patients but are not yet ready for full clinical development.
By supporting research at this stage, we aim to:
De-risk promising science at the interface between academic and clinical research.
Enable shared tools and resources for the wider research field.
Support scientific talent within Belgium.
Supporting Belgian research is an investment in a scientific ecosystem known for its excellence and resilience.
Research Projects
Global Standards
- InterMed
(DPC invested in 2012).
Objective: identify the potential of a molecule to be neuroprotective and become a disease-modifying therapeutic. Read more - Affiris: The Affitope Parkinson Vaccine
(DPC invested in 2012)
Objective: perform first phase clinical trial and check impact of the vaccine on α-synuclein, a brain component that plays a central role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s Disease. Watch our video Read more - Exenatide
(DPC invested in 2013)
Objective: perform a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept trial to confirm whether the preliminary findings of beneficial effects seen in both motor and non-motor PD symptoms can be replicated. Read more - nLife Thera
(DPC invested in 2015)
Objective: characterize the dose and efficacy of a new molecule in a model of Parkinson’s disease vs a healthy model. Watch our video Read more. - AC Immune
(DPC invested in 2015 & 2018)
Objective: develop a brain imaging agent for alpha-synuclein, a key protein involved in PD pathology. Watch our video Read more - Khondrion
(DPC invested in 2016)
Objective: test the effectiveness of a molecule against the mitochondrial dysfunction, often noted in Parkinson’s Disease. Read more - Nilotinib
(DPC invested in 2016 & 2017)
Objective: check whether the effectiveness of the medicine, shown in open trials, is confirmed in a large double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Read more. Further info. - ADx Neurosciences
(DPC invested in 2017)
Objective: develop guidelines for clinical trials. - ATP10B
(DPC invested in 2019)
Objective: better understand the mutation of this gene, and its potential impact on Parkinson’s disease. Read more - ATP13A2
(DPC invested in 2020)
Objective: To develop a pre-clinical drug candidate Read more - University of Texas
(DPC invested in 2021)
Objective: To carry out human trials to test whether multiple intravenous infusions of mesenchymal stem cells will significantly slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Read more - Modag Anle 138b
(DPC invested in 2022)
Objective: Further in-patient testing of a drug targeting the buildup of protein alpha-synuclein in the brain. Read more - Libra TRPML1
(DPC invested in 2023)
Objective: improve the ability of the brain cells to deal with old and damaged molecules by activating TRPML1.
Read more - Samsara
(DPC invested in 2023)
Objective: test the ability of small molecules to reduce the accumulation of alpha-synuclein in the brains of mice. Read more - VesperBio
(DPC invested in 2023 & 2024)
Objective: test the efficacy of Vesper compounds in three in vivo models. Read more - Lys Therapeutics
(DPC invested in 2023 & 2024)
Objective: better understand the role of T cell infiltration and provide strong proof of concept data for Glunomab immunotherapy use as a treatment for Parkinson’s. Read more - Coave Therapeutics
(DPC invested in 2023 & 2024)
Objective: Preclinical proof of concept of TFEB in Parkinson disease. Read more. (Last update autumn 2023) - Galvani Bioelectronics
(DPC invested in 2023 & 2024)
Objective: test the effect of splenic nerve stimulation to reduce inflammation-driven Parkinson’s progression and LRRK2 mutation-driven Parkinson’s risk. Read more TrkB – Ossianix
(DPC invested in 2025)
Objective: To carry out preclinical tests to establish whether the TrKB antibody is able to reach the brain, protect neurons, and increase dopamine production.
Read moreACT-02 – Accure
(DPC invested in 2025)
Objective: To finalise critical safety and pharmacology studies needed to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for oral drug ACT-O2 targeting the PREP protein.
Read more
Research Projects
New Initiatives & Steady Progress
We celebrate the start of every scientific journey by regularly announcing the new projects added to our portfolio. Once research begins, we respect the “slow science” required for high-quality breakthroughs.
We share progress updates only when projects reach significant milestones, ensuring that the information we provide remains as grounded and credible as the research itself.
We celebrate the launch of new ideas and the deliberate, rigorous work that is needed to translate them into real progress
Research Projects
Stay Informed
If you are active in Parkinson’s research and would like to be informed when DPC opens new calls or initiatives, you can register your interest below.