The collaboration will focus on developing new therapy options targeting LRRK2 to assist in the treatment of Parkinsons disease.

Seal Rock Therapeutics announced it is joining the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) LRRK2 Investigative Therapeutics Exchange (LITE) program. The LITE program aims to support advancements in developing new therapies targeting LRRK2 to treat Parkinson’s disease in patients and will now include Seal Rock’s brain-penetrant LRRK2/ASK1 signaling complex inhibitors.

Neil McDonnell, CEO of Seal Rock Therapeutics, discussed Seal Rock’s decision to join the MJFF and the benefits it brings, saying, "Seal Rock is honored to be a new industry member of The Michael J. Fox Foundation's LITE program and be part of a powerful consortium of academic and industry leaders who recognize the potential of LRRK2 inhibition for Parkinson's disease. MJFF's recognition of the need for collective action and the support to pursue this promising target is a bold step that will likely shave years off the time it takes for new drugs to be available to patients. As for our program, we are excited to learn more about LASC inhibitors through research by some of the top labs in the field. ASK1 and LRRK2 are central to many disease processes in Parkinson's disease. Through the LITE initiative, we expect to gain a better understanding of their disease activity when both are inhibited simultaneously, as well as further exploring the mechanisms behind the elimination of kidney and lung safety findings."¹

Solid as a rock

Seal Rock Therapeutics, a clinical stage company committed to providing patients suffering from liver, brain, or neuromuscular disease, the best possible treatment options available. Currently Seal Rock is developing its preclinical-stage brain-penetrant ASK1/LRRK2 signaling complex (LASC) inhibitors. The LASC inhibitors will act as a treatment for neurodegenerative conditions, such as Parkinson's disease and ALS, aligning with the MJFF LITE program’s mission.

Seal Rock’s LASC inhibitors are first-in-class oral molecules that simultaneously block both LRRK2 and ASK1 streamlining efficiency.These inhibitors displayed the ability to produce powerful neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies, through the inhibition of both targets in unison. This process yielded more effective results compared to isolated targeting and removed toxicity for kidneys and lungs that are common in most LRRK2 inhibitors. The advancements from Seal Rocks LRRK2 inhibitors garnered attention from MJFF staff members and builds intrigue into what the collaboration can produce.

"At The Michael J. Fox Foundation, we remain steadfast toward our singular and urgent mission of delivering better treatments and a cure for patients living with Parkinson's disease," said Shalini Padmanabhan, PhD, MJFF's senior vice president and head of translational research. "We look forward to advancing what's possible in LRRK2 drug development while de-risking industry investment through open-science policies and the collaboration of experts across key opinion leaders, including through the participation of Seal Rock Therapeutics."¹

Sources

1. Seal Rock Therapeutics Joins the Michael J. Fox Foundation's LITE Program to Advance New Therapies Targeting LRRK2 for Parkinson's Disease. Seal Rock Therapeutics August 13, 2025 https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/seal-rock-therapeutics-joins-the-michael-j-fox-foundations-lite-program-to-advance-new-therapies-targeting-lrrk2-for-parkinsons-disease-302528368.html