Contact us Demo our platform

Company News

Metabolon Collaborates with The Michael J. Fox Foundation to Advance Multiomic Analyses for Parkinson’s Research 

Partnership supports expanded biomarker discovery efforts within MJFF’s Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative 

MORRISVILLE, N.C., March 17, 2026 — Metabolon, Inc., the global leader in providing metabolomics solutions advancing a wide variety of life science research, diagnostic, therapeutic development, and precision medicine applications, today announced a collaboration with The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) through the LRRK2 Investigative Therapeutics Exchange (LITE) program to support the discovery of biomarkers and biological pathways associated with Parkinson’s disease.  This collaboration leverages Metabolon’s Global Discovery Platform to power comprehensive multiomics analyses across MJFF’s extensive Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI)—the world’s most deeply characterized Parkinson’s disease cohort, funded by MJFF and supported in part by the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) initiative. 

More than 10 million people worldwide are currently living with Parkinson’s disease, a number projected to exceed 25 million by 2050 according to recent global health studies.  With the global biomarker market surpassing $32 billion in 2023, multiomics research represents a crucial frontier in addressing neurodegenerative disorders. 

The partnership between MJFF and Metabolon aims to unlock new biological insights that can improve early diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease.  Through Metabolon’s global metabolomics expertise and integration of multiomics data within MJFF’s trusted research environment, researchers will have access to unprecedented analytical depth across plasma, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. 

This project is part of a broader MJFF effort, supported in part by the LRRK2 Investigative Therapeutics Exchange, to better understand the biological changes in Parkinson’s disease.  By studying proteomic, lipidomic, and metabolomic data from PPMI participants together, researchers can look for patterns, including those that may reflect LRRK2 activity.  These insights may help identify biomarkers that support patient stratification and target engagement in future clinical studies. 

Recent research has shown strong correlations between environmental exposures, such as pesticides and herbicides, and the development of Parkinson’s disease.  Metabolomics uniquely enables the measurement of these exogenous compounds, offering powerful new tools to link exposure to disease onset and progression. 

“Our mission at Metabolon is to decode the biochemical underpinnings of health and disease,” said Ro Hastie, CEO of Metabolon.  “By partnering with The Michael J. Fox Foundation, we are enabling the world’s largest, most comprehensive metabolomics study of Parkinson’s disease to date—advancing biomarker discovery that could transform how we diagnose, monitor, and treat this complex condition.” 

Metabolon’s Global Discovery Platform and Integrated Bioinformatics Platform solutions allow researchers worldwide to analyze and share data in real time, integrating metabolomics with other omics layers to uncover actionable insights.  This collaboration with MJFF demonstrates Metabolon’s unique ability to design bespoke analytical solutions and integrate them seamlessly into large-scale research environments. 

“At The Michael J. Fox Foundation, we remain steadfast in our mission to advance tools and treatments for people living with Parkinson’s disease,” said Shalini Padmanabhan, PhD, MJFF’s senior vice president and head of translational research.  “Through PPMI and initiatives such as LITE, we are working to identify molecular signatures that deepen our understanding of Parkinson’s biology, including pathways influenced by LRRK2.  Adding metabolomic analyses to this effort expands the data needed to evaluate potential biomarkers and to inform the development of LRRK2-targeted therapies.” 

To learn more about how Metabolon can support your multiomic studies, please see: https://www.metabolon.com/multiomics.  

About Metabolomics 

Metabolomics, the large-scale study of all small molecules in a biological system, is the only omics technology that provides a complete current-state functional readout of a biological system.  Metabolomics helps researchers see beyond individual genetic variation, capturing the combined impact of genetic and external factors, such as drugs, diet, lifestyle, and the microbiome, on human health. By measuring thousands of discrete chemical signals that form biological pathways in the body, metabolomics can reveal important biomarkers, enabling a better understanding of a drug’s mechanism of action, pharmacodynamics, and safety profile, as well as individual responses to therapy.  

About Metabolon  

Metabolon, Inc. is the global leader in metabolomics, with a mission to deliver biochemical data and insights that expand and accelerate the impact of life sciences research and complement other ‘omics’ technologies.  With more than 25 years, 15,000+ projects, 4,000+ publications, and ISO 9001:2015, CLIA, and CAP certifications, Metabolon has developed industry-leading scientific, technological, and bioinformatics techniques.  Metabolon’s Global Discovery Panel is powered by the world’s largest proprietary metabolomics reference library.  Metabolon’s industry-leading data and translational science expertise help customers and partners address some of the most challenging and pressing questions in the life sciences, accelerating research and enhancing development success.  The company offers scalable, customizable multiomics solutions, including metabolomics and lipidomics, that support customer needs from discovery through clinical trials and product life-cycle management.  For more information, please visit www.metabolon.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. 

About the LRRK2 Investigative Therapeutics Exchange (LITE) Program   

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) launched LITE in 2024 to pave the way for new therapeutic approaches for LRRK2, connect companies that are developing LRRK2-targeting therapies with pharma and biotech opinion leaders, and provide preclinical and clinical resources to establish best practices for advancing LRRK2-targeted therapeutics.  Mutations in the LRRK2 gene linked to Parkinson’s disease were first discovered in 2004 and are now understood to be the most common cause of inherited Parkinson’s disease.  Built on MJFF’s dedication to open science, LITE fosters international collaboration across more than 30 academic and clinical centers and more than a dozen companies.  The initiative is governed by an active steering committee consisting of MJFF staff and field leaders and is implemented by the University of Dundee in the United Kingdom.  The LITE program will also benefit from collaboration with the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) initiative-supported programs, including the Collaborative Research Network (CRN), the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), and the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2).  Learn more here. 

Media Inquiries: 

Sean Iverson 
VP, Global Marketing 
siverson@metabolon.com 

Related Company News

See All Company News

GET STARTED

Talk with an expert

Request a quote, get detailed information on sample types, or learn how metabolomics can accelerate your research. Find our contact details are here.

Find us on:

Talk with a Metabolomics expert

✕

References

1. Zgoda-Pols, J.R., et al., Metabolomics analysis reveals elevation of 3-indoxyl sulfate in plasma and brain during chemically-induced acute kidney injury in mice: investigation of nicotinic acid receptor agonists. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol, 2011. 255(1): p. 48-56.

2. Bryant, J.A., et al., The impact of an oral purified microbiome therapeutic on the gastrointestinal microbiome. Nat Med, 2026. 32(1): p. 186-196

3. McGovern, B .H., et al., SER-109, an Investigational Microbiome Drugto Reduce Recurrence After Clostridioides difficile Infection: Lessons Learned From a Phase 2 Trial. Clin Infect Dis, 2021. 72(12): p. 2132-2140.

4. Feuerstadt, P., et al., SER-109, an Oral Microbiome Therapy for Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection. N Engl J Med, 2022. 386(3): p. 220-229.

5. Hu, Z., et al., Targeted metabolomics reveals novel diagnostic biomarkers for colorectal cancer. Mol Oncol, 2025. 19(6): p. 1737-1750.

6. Butler, F.M., et al., Vegetarian Dietary Patterns and Diet-Related Metabolites Are Associated With Kidney Function in the Adventist Health Study-2 Cohort. J Ren Nutr, 2025.

7. Stanford, J., et al., Metabolomic Profiling and Diet Quality Scoring in a Randomized Crossover Trial of Healthy and Typical Dietary Patterns. Mol Nutr Food Res, 2025 . 69(23): p. e70271.

8. O’Connor, L.E., et al., Metabolomic Profiling of an Ultraprocessed Dietary Pattern in a Domiciled Randomized Controlled Crossover Feeding Trial. J Nutr, 2023. 153(8): p. 2181-2192.

9. Fritsch, D.A., et al., Microbiome function underpins the efficacy of a fiber-supplemented dietary intervention in dogs with chronic large bowel diarrhea. BMC Vet Res, 2022. 18(1): p. 245.

10. Leal, L.N., et al., Preweaning nutrient supply improves lactation productivity and reduces the risk of culling in Holstein cows. J Dairy Sci, 2025. 108(6): p. 5875-5888.

11. Ahsin, M., et al., Soil and pasture health underlie improved beef nutrient density determined by untargeted metabolomics in Southern US grass finished beef systems. NPJ Sci Food, 2025. 9(1): p. 151.

12. Yin, W., et al., Plasma lipid profiling across species for the identification of optimal animal models of human dyslipidemia. J Lipid Res, 2012. 53(1): p. 51-65.

13. Porter, F .D., et al., Cholesterol oxidation products are sensitive and specific blood-based biomarkers for Niemann-Pick C1 disease. Sci Transl Med, 2010. 2(56): p. 56ra81.

14. Needham, B .D., et al., Plasma and Fecal Metabolite Profiles in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biol Psychiatry, 2021. 89(5): p. 451-462

15. Li, C., et al., Estradiol and mTORC2 cooperate to enhance prostaglandin biosynthesis and tumorigenesis in TSC2-deficient LAM cells. J Exp Med, 2014. 211(1): p. 15-28.

16. Green, P.G., et al., Metabolic flexibility and reverse remodelling of the failing human heart. Eur Heart J, 2025. 46(25): p. 2422-2433.

17. Maekawa, H., et al., SGLT2 inhibition protects kidney function by SAM-dependent epigenetic repression of inflammatory genes under metabolic stress. J Clin Invest, 2025. 135(19).

18. Wu, D., et al., Integrated screens reveal that guanine nucleotide depletion, which is irreversible via targeting IMPDH2, inhibits pancreatic cancer and potentiates KRAS inhibition. Gut, 2026.

19. Schwerdtfeger, L.A., et al., Gut microbiota and metabolites are linked to disease progression in multiple sclerosis. Cell Rep Med, 2025. 6(4): p. 102055.

20. Wu, H., et al., Microbiome-metabolome dynamics associated with impaired glucose control and responses to lifestyle changes. Nat Med, 2025. 31(7): p. 2222-2231.

21. Jacobs, J.P., et al., Cognitive behavioral therapy for irritable bowel syndrome induces bidirectional alterations in the brain-gut-microbiome axis associated with gastrointestinal symptom improvement. Microbiome, 2021. 9(1): p. 236.

22. Pietzner, M., et al., Plasma metabolites to profile pathways in noncommunicable disease multimorbidity. Nat Med, 2021. 27(3): p. 471-479.

23. Faquih, T.O., et al., Robust Metabolomic Age Prediction Based on a Wide Selection of Metabolites. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci, 2025. 80(3).

24. Scherer, N., et al., Coupling metabolomics and exome sequencing reveals graded effects of rare damaging heterozygous variants on gene function and human traits. Nat Genet, 2025. 57(1): p. 193-205.

25. Holmes, Z.C., et al., Untargeted metabolomic analysis of human milk from healthy mothers reveals drivers of metabolite variability. Sci Rep, 2024. 14(1): p. 20827.

26. Titz, B., et al., Implications of Ocular Confounding Factors for Aqueous Humor Proteomic and Metabolomic Analyses in Retinal Diseases. Transl Vis Sci Technol, 2024. 13(6): p. 17.

27. Bloom, S.M., et al., Cysteine dependence of Lactobacillus iners is a potential therapeutic target for vaginal microbiota modulation. Nat Microbiol, 2022. 7(3): p. 434-450.

28. Leimer, E.M., et al., Lipid profile of human synovial fluid following intra-articular ankle fracture. J Orthop Res, 2017. 35(3): p. 657-666.