Support for the challenge aiming for a 'complete cure' for Parkinson's disease. Announcement of the establishment of the 'Innovative Treatment Development Fund' and the start of grant applications.

The Japan Private Trust Foundation (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Takayuki Sato) has established the "Innovative Treatment Development Fund" to support original research aimed at finding a fundamental solution (complete cure) for Parkinson's disease. Applications for researchers eligible for grants will begin on Monday, April 6, 2026.

■ Background of Fund Establishment

This fund was established from the heartfelt desire of Parkinson's disease patients to "be freed from the anxiety of the disease and to leave a future where they can tell their children that Parkinson's disease is not scary." Its purpose is to strongly support original and challenging research that goes beyond current symptomatic treatments and aims for "Disease Modification" by stopping the progression of the disease or regenerating neurological functions.

■ Target Research Areas

The fund targets the following innovative research in Parkinson's disease and related disorders:

Pathological elucidation: Research into molecular mechanisms, protein aggregation and propagation, neuroinflammation, etc.

Drug discovery and therapeutic development: Development of gene therapy, cell therapy, drug delivery systems, etc.
Diagnosis and biomarkers: Research into innovative technologies for ultra-early diagnosis
Clinical medicine and translational research: Clinical trials and cohort studies targeting fundamental treatments

■ Grant Outline

A total of 10 million yen will be distributed and awarded in the following two categories:

Innovative Fundamental Treatment Award (A)

・Grant amount: 4 million yen

・Number of recipients: 1 person

・Eligibility: PI (Principal Investigator) with outstanding achievements who will significantly advance this research

Young Investigator Challenge Encouragement Award (B)

・Grant amount: 2 million yen

・Number of recipients: 3 people

・Eligibility: Original and nascent research by researchers under 50 years old

Research Support Period: October 2026 - end of March 2029 (2 years and 6 months)
Usage: Direct expenses and indirect expenses determined by the affiliated institution (*Indirect expenses are limited to 30% of the total grant amount)

■ Application Schedule

April 6, 2026: Application period starts

June 30, 2026: Application deadline

End of September 2026: Grant recipients decided

Early October 2026: Grant disbursement

■ How to Apply

Please review the application guidelines on the website and apply via the dedicated page (Graain).

Website: Innovative Treatment Development Fund

Dedicated application page: Graain

■ Message from the Donor

"Your movements are sluggish, are you okay?"

With those words from my older brother, my battle with Parkinson's disease began.

It was four years ago, when he drove me home, and he commented on my awkward movements as I tried to get out of the car. At that time, I had just started feeling difficulties using chopsticks during meals. Afterwards, I began to experience poor sleep, a lack of facial expression, and decreased motivation. Thinking "something is wrong," I searched online and found that my symptoms resembled early Parkinson's disease, so I consulted a neurologist and was diagnosed.

The doctor explained, "Parkinson's disease is an intractable disease that cannot be completely cured with current medical treatments," and "from now on, medication and rehabilitation will be used to slow its progression." I was deeply shocked, thinking, "Why me...?" and for a time, I avoided contact with people. However, by following the instructions and guidance of doctors and rehabilitation staff, and with the support and encouragement of family and friends, I am now able to manage on my own.

As this disease progresses gradually, the anxiety about the future is endless: "Will the medication eventually stop working?" or "Will I eventually become unable to move and be confined to a wheelchair?" Also, although many of the causative factors are considered sporadic rather than hereditary, there are still many unknowns, and it's not impossible that my children or grandchildren could be affected. I strongly wish for this disease to become a "curable disease" instead of an "intractable disease," and that even if it develops, the quality of life (QOL) can be maintained with medication. This strong desire was entrusted to the Japan Private Trust Foundation, leading to the establishment of this fund.

I hear that treatments and therapies for Parkinson's disease have made significant progress in recent years. This is the fruit of the tireless efforts and dedicated research of many research institutions and researchers to date, and I express my deepest respect and gratitude. It is said that about 1 in 100 people over 65 develop the disease, and with an aging population, the number of patients is expected to increase further in the future. I hope for further advancements in medical technology that will lead to a healthy future where we can someday say with a smile, "That disease is no longer scary," and I hope this fund can contribute to that.

About The Japan Private Trust Foundation

The Japan Private Trust Foundation
~A Bridge to a Sustainable World~

The Japan Private Trust Foundation was established in 2024 with the aim of correctly and efficiently returning the wealth (assets) held by high-net-worth individuals to where it is needed. To make "the realization and return of aspirations" sustainable through social contribution activities, it operates grant programs for individuals and organizations as individual funds for each donor.

Web｜https://privatetrust-fdn.org/

Address｜Midtown Tower 18F, Workstyling Tokyo Midtown, 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052

Mail｜info@privatetrust-fdn.org