# Atuka > A cure for Parkinson’s, faster, through the world's best preclinical neuroscience. --- ## Pages - [Primate Services](https://atuka.com/non-human-primate-services/): World-Class NHP Services for Translational Neuroscience Atuka is a global leader in non-human primate (NHP) research, offering specialized services for... - [Scientific leadership](https://atuka.com/scientific-leadership/): Meet Atuka’s scientific leadership When you work with Atuka, our team of word-leading neuroscientists and experts in preclinical science becomes... - [Contact](https://atuka.com/contact/): Advance your therapeutic program Reach out to start the conversation with our scientific leaders. To best assist you, we encourage... - [Company overview](https://atuka.com/atuka-company-overview/): More than two decades at the forefront of research into Parkinson’s Atuka’s scientists, technicians, and support staff have dedicated their... - [Research milestones](https://atuka.com/research-milestones/): A history of innovation and excellence in academic and commercial contexts Atuka’s lead scientists have been responsible for several important... - [Gene therapy](https://atuka.com/gene-therapy/): Accelerating gene therapy development The potential of gene therapies is finally being realized—therapies that can deliver life-changing treatments for a... - [Preclininical Models](https://atuka.com/parkinsons-disease-models/): The widest range of industry-leading Parkinson’s disease models With more rodent and NHP models than anyone else in our field,... - [Services](https://atuka.com/services/): We provide the best-tailored preclinical program to evaluate any potential therapeutic, whether for Parkinson’s, or the numerous other indications in... - [News and Insights](https://atuka.com/news-and-insights/): On the threshold of a new era in our understanding of Parkinson’s disease We believe that by sharing our knowledge... - [Careers](https://atuka.com/careers/): Atuka offers a way of doing science that is different from traditional contract research organizations. Every day, we support our... - [Careers](https://atuka.com/careers-2/): Working at Atuka means contributing everyday to the development trajectories of potentially life-changing therapeutics, supported by world-class facilities and scientists,... - [About](https://atuka.com/about/): Innovate, collaborate, cure Atuka’s scientists, technicians, and support staff have dedicated their careers to furthering our understanding of Parkinson’s disease,... - [Our Science](https://atuka.com/our-science/): The world’s best preclinical neuroscience For more than 30 years, in collaboration with some of the best partners in the... - [Privacy Policy](https://atuka.com/privacy-policy/): Atuka Inc. (“Atuka”, “us”, “we”, “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. We believe that your online privacy is important... --- ## Posts - [Gregory Lops on blending creative vision with lab precision](https://atuka.com/gregory-lops-on-blending-creative-vision-with-lab-precision/): Senior lab technician Gregory Lops credits much of his early interest in science to his mother, who worked as an... - [Atuka moves in to North America’s largest urban innovation hub](https://atuka.com/atuka-moves-in-to-north-americas-largest-urban-innovation-hub/): In a hugely significant moment for Atuka, we have completed the move into our new offices and facilities in North... - [Expanding Frontiers in Neuroimmunology](https://atuka.com/expanding-frontiers-in-neuroimmunology/): Jon Brotchie reports back with highlights from the recent Neuroimmunology Drug Development Summit in Boston, in particular how TREM2 is... - [How AI could help dramatically change the drug discovery process](https://atuka.com/how-ai-could-help-dramatically-change-the-drug-discovery-process/): The upside of integrating AI into the drug discovery process is potentially game-changing, though it’s also important to be clear-eyed... - [How Andrea Datu sets up her teammates for success](https://atuka.com/how-andrea-datu-sets-up-her-teammates-for-success/): As a rec league basketball player—not to mention diehard Toronto Raptors fan— Andrea-Kaye Datu is the closest thing Atuka has... - [Embracing a culture of continuous learning](https://atuka.com/embracing-a-culture-of-continuous-learning/): At Atuka’s facility in Suzhou, China, the team that Su Jin oversees as operations manager conducts both small and large... - [Tielli Magnus on the sources of her scientific inspiration](https://atuka.com/tielli-magnus-on-the-sources-of-her-scientific-inspiration/): For many of Atuka’s partners, scientist Tielli Magnus M. Sc. is their first point of contact when initiating a preclinical... - [Parkinson’s disease prevalence is soaring—but is there a good news story hidden in the data?](https://atuka.com/parkinsons-disease-prevalence-is-soaring-but-is-there-a-good-news-story-hidden-in-the-data/): As Parkinson’s becomes the fastest-growing neurological disorder worldwide, its rising prevalence raises urgent questions about public health and economic impact.... - [Highlights from Neuroscience 2024](https://atuka.com/highlights-from-neuroscience-2024-advances-in-parkinsons-disease-research/): At the annual summit of the Society for Neuroscience in Chicago, it was clearer than ever that collaboration and advancing... - [New frontiers in inflammasome therapeutics](https://atuka.com/new-frontiers-in-inflammasome-therapeutics-insights-from-the-6th-annual-summit/): Insights from Atuka's recent visit to the 6th Annual Inflammasome Summit in Boston. - [Atuka releases its latest white paper, on the future of gene therapy](https://atuka.com/atuka-releases-its-latest-white-paper-on-the-future-of-gene-therapy/): Building on Atuka’s pioneering work in Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, this paper lays out the transformative potential of... - [Announcing a $1.5m collaboration with Kannalife Sciences and Michael J. Fox Foundation](https://atuka.com/announcing-a-1-5m-collaboration-with-kannalife-sciences-and-the-michael-j-fox-foundation/): The grant will fund preclinical research of Kannalife Science's KLS-13019, a synthetic cannabinoid therapeutic which offers great promise for Parkinson’s... - [What the market overlooked in Seelos’s recent trehalose study](https://atuka.com/what-the-market-overlooked-in-seeloss-recent-trehalose-study/): Atuka's Jonathan Brotchie and Patrick Howson take a deeper look at the top-line results for IV trehalose, an ALS treatment,... - [Atuka welcomes new board member Ian Lennox](https://atuka.com/atuka-welcomes-new-board-member-ian-lennox/): As Atuka expands beyond its traditional base in Parkinson's research, we look forward to Lennox's contributions as a pioneering executive... - [Tavapodon offers great promise as a new therapeutic for Parkinson’s disease](https://atuka.com/tavapodon-offers-great-promise-as-a-new-therapeutic-for-parkinsons-disease/): On the encouraging topline results from Cerevel Therapeutics' Phase III TEMPO-3 trial for tavapadon, a D1/D5 dopamine receptor partial agonist. --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages - Published: 2025-05-07 - Modified: 2025-05-07 - URL: https://atuka.com/non-human-primate-services/ World-Class NHP Services for Translational Neuroscience Atuka is a global leader in non-human primate (NHP) research, offering specialized services for preclinical neuroscience and Parkinson’s disease drug development. With the infrastructure to run large-scale NHP studies in macaques and a deep bench of scientific expertise, we help biopharma and academic partners de-risk, validate, and accelerate CNS programs. Full-Spectrum Primate Capabilities Atuka supports standalone and integrated preclinical studies using NHP models—tailored to the needs of our partners working in CNS, neurodegeneration, and Parkinson’s research. Our recently renovated, AAALAC-accredited facility can accommodate up to 150 macaques across studies, supported by advanced imaging, bioanalysis, and functional assessment technologies. We work closely with partners to design NHP protocols that meet scientific, ethical, and regulatory standards for translational neuroscience. Designed for rigor, flexibility, and translational impact Pharmacokinetics & Bioanalysis LC-MS/MS analysis in plasma, CSF, and brain tissue Longitudinal PK sampling in macaques Validated workflows using Shimadzu and Sciex platforms PET/CT and MRI Imaging NHP PET ligands: 18F-AV-133 (VMAT2), 18F-FDG, 11C-CFT (DAT), and more In-house cyclotron & radiochemistry for 18F/11C ligands Rapid 3T-MRI for structural imaging and surgical planning Stereotactic Surgery Precision delivery of AAVs, proteins, or compounds to brain regions or ventricles MRI-guided stereotaxy optimized for primate anatomy Suitable for preclinical gene therapy and neurotoxin lesion models (e. g. , MPTP) Telemetry Monitoring Remote, real-time capture of core physiological parameters Activity, heart rate, and body temperature tracked continuously Supports chronic dosing and safety pharmacology endpoints Functional Observational Battery (FOB) Regulatory-aligned assessments of neurotoxicity Behavioral and neurological... --- - Published: 2025-04-08 - Modified: 2025-07-08 - URL: https://atuka.com/scientific-leadership/ Meet Atuka’s scientific leadership When you work with Atuka, our team of word-leading neuroscientists and experts in preclinical science becomes a part of yours. Over the past three decades, Atuka’s team of lead scientists have been responsible for numerous breakthroughs that have helped shape the direction of research in Parkinson's disease and other areas. As active contributors to academic literature, they have collectively published more than 300 peer-reviewed, highly-cited papers, and individually possess h-indices ranging from 25 to 80. Read more about Atuka's research milestones. --- - Published: 2024-09-11 - Modified: 2025-07-07 - URL: https://atuka.com/contact/ Advance your therapeutic program Reach out to start the conversation with our scientific leaders. To best assist you, we encourage you to schedule an introductory call with our leadership team. Otherwise do feel free to send us a message via the form. Schedule a Call +1-416-479-5462 info@atuka. com Follow us on LinkedIn Contact Us Name * First Last * Last Email * Title Company * Phone Message * Captcha Submit If you are human, leave this field blank. By submitting information on this form, you are agreeing to the terms of our Privacy Policy. You have the right to unsubscribe from email communication at any time. --- - Published: 2024-08-02 - Modified: 2025-07-07 - URL: https://atuka.com/atuka-company-overview/ More than two decades at the forefront of research into Parkinson's Atuka’s scientists, technicians, and support staff have dedicated their careers to alleviating the burden of patients suffering from neurodegenerative disorders. COMPANY OVERVIEW Atuka Ltd. was founded by Dr. Jonathan Brotchie in Toronto in 2003. The company’s mission was to bring the innovative thinking and rigour from Dr. Brotchie’s previous decades of academic research around Parkinson’s disease into the commercial arena in order to meet the rapidly growing demand from the pharma and biotech industries, particularly for non-human primate (NHP) models of Parkinson’s disease.   During the company’s first decade of operation, Atuka’s team of lead scientists were responsible for several important breakthroughs that would help shape the direction of Parkinson’s disease research—including the development of novel models, in both rodent and NHP, of synucleinopathy in Parkinson’s disease—while establishing Atuka’s reputation for industry-leading preclinical services. In 2004, the company opened its first NHP research facility in Beijing, China, with more to follow, and several of its client projects progressed to clinical development. (As of 2024, all of Atuka’s NHP activity has been consolidated at an AAALAC-accredited NHP facility in Suzhou, China. ) In 2011, the company was formally restructured as Atuka Inc. , with Brotchie, Dr. Michael Hill, and David Sefton as co-founders, better positioning Atuka to offer the broadest possible range of models of Parkinson’s disease. Embedded inside the world-renowned neuroscience centre at Toronto’s University Health Network (UHN), the new company was conceived to be unique among contract research... --- - Published: 2024-08-02 - Modified: 2025-07-08 - URL: https://atuka.com/research-milestones/ A history of innovation and excellence in academic and commercial contexts Atuka’s lead scientists have been responsible for several important breakthroughs that have helped shape the direction of Parkinson’s disease research, while establishing the company's reputation for industry-leading preclinical services. ATUKA TIMELINE AND RESEARCH MILESTONES 1985 Future Atuka founder Jon Brotchie enters the University of Manchester to study medicine. There he becomes fascinated by the basal ganglia and develops a talent for research under the wing of renowned scientist and professor Alan Crossman. 1987-1990 While working toward his PhD, Brotchie refines new rodent and non-human primate (NHP) models to make them fit-for-purpose as therapeutic development platforms. He also validates the targeting of specific glutamate receptors as symptomatic approaches to Parkinson’s disease. This is the first of many targets Atuka’s scientists will validate. 1991 Brotchie is appointed a professor in the anatomy department at the University of Manchester. He continues to build an academic research program with a focus on novel therapeutics for Parkinson’s disease. 1992 Michael Hill joins the Brotchie academic lab. Hill’s PhD work on kappa opioid receptors will lead to the first demonstration of a systemically administered, non-dopaminergic drug being able to alleviate symptoms in an NHP model of PD. 1999 With his scientific mentor Alan Crossman, Brotchie co-founds Motac Ltd, with Hill as its first employee. In the company’s initial iteration, Motac is a CRO-drug discovery hybrid leveraging the commercial value of the NHP therapeutic platform as employed in the Brotchie Lab. 1991–2002 Working with Susan Fox—... --- - Published: 2024-08-01 - Modified: 2025-07-08 - URL: https://atuka.com/gene-therapy/ Accelerating gene therapy development The potential of gene therapies is finally being realized—therapies that can deliver life-changing treatments for a broad range of disorders. At Atuka we have decades of experience when it comes to understanding complex biological issues and working with our collaborators to find bespoke solutions to their problems. More recently, we have leveraged our expertise in rodent and NHP neuroanatomy and neurosurgery to become experts at delivering pharmacodynamic and biodistribution studies in the gene therapy area. Our access to a plentiful supply of NHPs also allows us to be your partner in evaluating the tropism of newly developed vectors. WHITE PAPER The future of gene therapy from a pre-clinical perspective The potential of gene therapies is finally being realized and these therapies can deliver life-changing treatments for a broad range of disorders. Atuka’s Chief Innovation Officer Dr Patrick A. Howson explores the past, present, and future of gene therapy. Gene therapy is a fast-developing field, with new technologies, such as direct genome editing and non-viral delivery systems, constantly evolving and being improved upon. At Atuka, we understand that all gene therapies are unique and that different gene therapies require different solutions for them to progress smoothly into the clinic. We pride ourselves on creating individual solutions that meet the unique gene therapy needs of our partners. GENE THERAPY CAPABILITIES + 20 biodistribution studies performed supporting regulatory submissions + Rodent and non-human primate studies + Access to large numbers of NHPs of both sexes and various ages +... --- - Published: 2024-07-15 - Modified: 2025-07-07 - URL: https://atuka.com/parkinsons-disease-models/ The widest range of industry-leading Parkinson's disease models With more rodent and NHP models than anyone else in our field, Atuka is unsurpassed in being able to provide the best-tailored preclinical program to evaluate any potential therapeutic. WHITE PAPER Optimizing Preclinical Studies for Parkinson’s Disease Therapeutics Strategies to optimize preclinical study design for therapeutic development and reduce translational risk. Atuka’s strategic approach to animal model selection Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that progresses gradually, predominantly affecting nervous system functioning through the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Visible symptoms include tremors, slow or decreased movement (bradykinesia and hypokinesia, respectively), limb stiffness, and gait and balance impairments. Other symptoms include depression, apathy, hallucinations, sleep disorders, loss of smell, and numerous cognitive impairments. + Talk to us about designing the right approach for your therapeutic Non-human primate models of Parkinson‘s disease Atuka has conducted primate Parkinson’s disease studies of over 100 macaques within a single study, allowing us to perform studies that no other CRO can. These studies can evaluate efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and bioanalysis, in vivo brain imaging, surgical delivery of vectors/compounds to the brain, intrathecal delivery, functional observational batteries, tissue and blood collection, and physiological parameter monitoring. Symptomatic MPTP-lesioned non-human primate (early or advanced disease model)  Non-human primate model of dyskinesia Side-effects (motor and non-motor)  Chronic L-DOPA treated MPTP-lesioned macaque (advanced)  Disease modification MPTP-lesioned non-human primate  AAV α-synuclein overexpressing non-human primate Other primate models Biodistribution (e. g. , for AAV based gene therapies, ASOs)  Non-GLP toxicity, safety and primate services ... --- - Published: 2024-07-11 - Modified: 2025-07-07 - URL: https://atuka.com/services/ Advancing your therapeutic program With as much experience in Parkinson’s disease as anyone else in our space, an unsurpassed range of preclinical models, and expertise in gene therapy, Atuka is at the forefront of research that is helping to make new, life-changing therapeutics a reality. We provide the best-tailored preclinical program to evaluate any potential therapeutic, whether for Parkinson’s, or the numerous other indications in which we have expertise, including cognitive disorders, ALS, and other movement disorders such as dystonia and dyskinesia—across multiple modalities, such as biologics (including gene therapy) and small molecules.   Unlike other organizations that offer standardized approaches, each preclinical study is designed according to the unique mode of action and potential indication of a partner’s therapeutic to ensure the highest degree of translatability to Phase II clinical proof-of-concept—whether for overall efficacy or target engagement. + Our Parkinson's disease models + Gene therapy SERVICES & CAPABILITIES In addition to our industry-leading suite of rodent and non-human primate (NHP) models, our extensive preclinical expertise in Parkinson’s and other disorders includes everything needed to keep your project under one roof—ensuring your therapeutic program gets the most out of its engagement with our highly respected team of neuroscientists. Atuka is also a world expert in NHP research and has the capacity to conduct both small and large studies that use up to 150 macaques at our newly renovated, AAALAC-accredited facility in Suzhou, China. As a result we are able to perform studies no other CRO can, while adhering to the... --- - Published: 2024-07-11 - Modified: 2025-07-08 - URL: https://atuka.com/news-and-insights/ On the threshold of a new era in our understanding of Parkinson’s disease We believe that by sharing our knowledge and insights we can expand our impact and get us all closer to alleviating the burdens of those suffering from Parkinson’s and other neurological disorders. Our lead scientists meet often to assess, analyze, and dig deeper into the latest research news and developments, drawing on their many decades of world-leading neuroscience and preclinical expertise, to promote discussion and engagement around the issues, challenges, and dynamics shaping both the scientific and commercial development of new therapeutics. This is how we do science everyday. Follow us on LinkedIn DISCOVERY SERIES #1 - D1 PAM Read the first in our ongoing series on the latest scientific research behind emerging targets in Parkinson’s Disease The Potential of D1 Dopamine Receptor Positive Allosteric Modulators NEWS & insights No posts were found. Read More WHITE PAPER The future of gene therapy from a pre-clinical perspective The potential of gene therapies is finally being realized and these therapies can deliver life-changing treatments for a broad range of disorders. Atuka’s Chief Innovation Officer Dr Patrick A. Howson explores the past, present, and future of gene therapy. No posts were found. Read More --- - Published: 2024-07-11 - Modified: 2025-07-07 - URL: https://atuka.com/careers/ A culture with purpose Working at Atuka means contributing everyday to the development trajectories of potentially life-changing therapeutics, supported by world-class facilities and scientists, and an industry-leading benefits plan. Atuka offers a way of doing science that is different from traditional contract research organizations. Every day, we support our partners in making informed, critical decisions at the interface between the preclinical and the clinical, ensuring that future research and investment is directed toward the avenues with the best chance of success. At the same time, our culture remains very much influenced by our roots in academic research and experimentation, and we are committed to ongoing scientific discovery in Parkinson’s and other disorders. At Atuka we embrace our role in nurturing and preparing the next generation of scientists, technicians, and support teams for the crucial challenges that lay ahead.   Work alongside a team of leading neuroscientists with numerous research breakthroughs to their credit. Join a culture that values collaboration, scientific inquiry, and continuous learning. Define the career path most meaningful, interesting, and rewarding to you. Be part of a team dedicated to alleviating the burdens of patients suffering from Parkinson's and other disorders. Work in an environment that combines the best of academic and commercial research contexts. Take advantage of a benefits program that is unsurpassed for our industry. Investing in your potential with an industry-leading benefits plan + Medical, dental, and vision insurance, 100% of premiums paid by Atuka + Minimum 20 vacation days for new hires plus flex... --- - Published: 2024-07-11 - Modified: 2024-10-03 - URL: https://atuka.com/careers-2/ People connected in purpose Working at Atuka means contributing everyday to the development trajectories of potentially life-changing therapeutics, supported by world-class facilities and scientists, and an industry-leading benefits plan. Working at Atuka means contributing everyday to the development trajectories of potentially life-changing therapeutics, supported by world-class facilities and scientists, and an industry-leading benefits plan. Our mission-driven team is diverse both in background and expertise, bringing to every one of our partner engagements a spirit of close collaboration, along with a commitment to the highest ethical standards in scientific research. Atuka offers a way of doing science that is different from traditional contract research organizations. Every day, in collaboration with our partners, we contribute to the development trajectories of potentially life-altering therapeutics. At the same time, our culture remains very much influenced by our roots in academic research, experimentation, and basic scientific inquiry.   People connected in purpose Working at Atuka means contributing everyday to the development trajectories of potentially life-changing therapeutics, supported by world-class facilities and scientists, and an industry-leading benefits plan. --- - Published: 2024-07-10 - Modified: 2025-07-07 - URL: https://atuka.com/about/ Innovate, collaborate, cure Atuka’s scientists, technicians, and support staff have dedicated their careers to furthering our understanding of Parkinson’s disease, advancing novel therapeutics, and alleviating the burden of those suffering from neurological disorders. Since its founding in 2003 by Dr. Jonathan Brotchie, Atuka has been helping our partners make informed, critical decisions at the interface between the preclinical and clinical, combining our unsurpassed neuroscience and Parkinson’s expertise with an industry-leading range of rodent and NHP models to design the best-tailored program for any potential therapeutic.   With offices and state-of-the-art facilities in Toronto and Suzhou, Atuka has been involved in the preclinical evaluation of more than 300 potential therapeutics, predominantly in Parkinson’s disease, of which more than 30 have progressed to clinical trials—a level of experience without equal in our field globally. Company overview Research milestones Scientific leadership NEWS No posts were found. HOW WE'RE DIFFERENT Combining the best of academic and commercial environments Atuka offers a way of doing science that is different from traditional contract research organizations. Every day, in collaboration with our partners, we contribute to the development trajectories of potentially life-altering therapeutics. At the same time, our culture remains very much influenced by our roots in academic research, experimentation, and basic scientific inquiry.   We are committed to ongoing scientific discovery in Parkinson’s and other disorders through an extensive internal research program, while actively contributing to and engaging with the scientific literature.  We embrace our role in nurturing and preparing the next generation of scientists, technicians,... --- - Published: 2024-05-22 - Modified: 2025-07-07 - URL: https://atuka.com/our-science/ The world’s best preclinical neuroscience For more than 30 years, in collaboration with some of the best partners in the world, Atuka’s scientists have continued to advance both knowledge and research techniques in the field of Parkinson’s disease and beyond. This has led to the development of the broadest range of preclinical animal models for Parkinson’s disease. BEHIND THE SCIENCE DISCOVERY SERIES #1 – D1 PAM Read the first entry in our new series on the latest research on emerging targets in Parkinson’s Disease The Potential of D1 Dopamine Receptor Positive Allosteric Modulators WHITE PAPER Optimizing Preclinical Studies for Parkinson’s Disease Therapeutics Strategies to optimize preclinical study design for therapeutic development and reduce translational risk. Atuka’s strategic approach to animal model selection WHITE PAPER The future of gene therapy from a pre-clinical perspective The potential of gene therapies is finally being realized and these therapies can deliver life-changing treatments for a broad range of disorders. Atuka’s Chief Innovation Officer Dr Patrick A. Howson explores the past, present, and future of gene therapy. Published papers Atuka’s scientists have been publishing groundbreaking neuroscience research for many decades, often in collaboration with other renowned leaders in our field. The peer-reviewed papers collected below track the evolution of both our ongoing research and the field more broadly.   No papers were found. --- - Published: 2024-05-21 - Modified: 2025-07-08 - URL: https://atuka.com/privacy-policy/ Our Commitment to Privacy Revised as of March 8th, 2022 Atuka Inc. (“Atuka”, “us”, “we”, “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. We believe that your online privacy is important and we want you to be familiar with how we collect, use and disclose any personal information that individually identifies you. This Privacy Policy explains how Atuka collects, uses, and discloses your personal information when you use our services and our website located at atuka. com (the “Site”) (collectively, the Site and services are hereinafter referred to as the “Services”). We will only collect, use and disclose your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. By using the Services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy, and you agree and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use the Services or supply your personal information to us. What Personal Information Do We Collect? Personal information means any information about an identifiable individual. The types of personal information that we may collect include, but are not limited to, your: name; home number; business address; e-mail address; bank account details for payment purposes; and personal information you give us that we did not request (such as personal information you voluntarily put into an email to us, in a comments box on our Site or through your use of the Services). Purposes for Collecting Your Personal... --- --- ## Posts - Published: 2025-04-16 - Modified: 2025-04-16 - URL: https://atuka.com/gregory-lops-on-blending-creative-vision-with-lab-precision/ - Categories: Meet the Atuka team Senior lab technician Gregory Lops credits much of his early interest in science to his mother, who worked as an elementary school science teacher when she wasn't a stay-at-home mom. “I always liked it when she would talk with me about what she was teaching her students,” he says. But what ended up clinching his passion for science, and biology in particular, is the part that turns many young students away. “Once I got to high school we started doing dissections—like a cow's eye or a fetal pig,” Gregory says. “It’s the part a lot of people don’t like, but I found it so interesting to work with my hands and get up so close to see what’s happening in the biology of these different animals. ” Gregory arrived at Atuka four years ago, fresh from a Master’s degree in biology at McMaster University, where his thesis focused on Fragile X Syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disease. Working at Atuka appealed to Gregory as he could combine his love of lab work with his burgeoning interest in neuroscience and neuropathology. As a senior lab technician, tell us what you do.   I lead the technical aspects of our projects, working in partnership with our scientists to run the studies and coordinate all the hands-on aspects. While the scientists design the projects, write the proposals, and work with the clients to determine what we need to assess, I figure out how we will do the assessing. I work with the animal facilities, making... --- - Published: 2025-04-09 - Modified: 2025-04-09 - URL: https://atuka.com/atuka-moves-in-to-north-americas-largest-urban-innovation-hub/ - Categories: News In a hugely significant moment for Atuka, we have completed the move into our new offices and facilities in North America’s largest urban innovation hub, MaRS Discovery District in downtown Toronto. Last week, we took a moment to celebrate and enjoy our new surroundings, which include a wide view of the centre’s magnificent atrium from our offices at ground level of the Heritage Building. (The exposed brick in the office, a remnant of the original Toronto General Hospital, designed by Darling & Pearson and opened in 1911, is also a nice touch. )While there are many upsides to our new location, the thing we are most excited about is simply being embedded within the MaRS ecosystem, working alongside so many other talented science and technology specialists and cutting-edge start-ups, all devoted to tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues. It’s also a place that takes seriously its role as an impact accelerator, with a focus on creating new opportunities for commercialization, and building relationships between the worlds of research, business, and philanthropy. Thank you to everyone at MaRS who has already made us feel very welcome in our new home. --- - Published: 2025-03-19 - Modified: 2025-04-09 - URL: https://atuka.com/expanding-frontiers-in-neuroimmunology/ - Categories: Behind the Science Jon Brotchie reports back with highlights from the recent Neuroimmunology Drug Development Summit in Boston, in particular how TREM2 is emerging as one of the most promising new targets for Parkinson’s, both in terms of mechanism and the variety of approaches we have to potentially manipulate it. By Jonathan Brotchie I recently had the opportunity to attend and share some of Atuka’s research at the 7th Annual Neuroimmunology Drug Development Summit in Boston. This meeting brought together over a hundred biotech and pharmaceutical leaders, all intent on unlocking the therapeutic potential of neuroinflammatory mechanisms for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Multiple sclerosis (MS), and more. Below, I share what were the most significant insights I gathered from the outstanding talks by experts in the field. In overview, while both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system appear to contribute to Parkinson’s pathology, in terms of therapeutic development most of the interest to date has focused on, and continues to focus on, the innate system. Of course, when it comes targeting the innate system, NLRP3 has been one of our hottest targets over the last 5 years. But where next? TREM2, a membrane glycoprotein crucial for microglial survival, activation, phagocytosis, brain homeostasis, and the inflammatory response to injury or neurodegeneration, is emerging as one of the most promising new targets for Parkinson’s, both in terms of mechanism and the variety of approaches we have to potentially manipulate it. Could it be the new NLRP3? Encouragingly, the spotlighting of TREM2 is validated by the recent announcement by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research about its Targets to Therapies initiative. The big issue for me is how can we leverage our understanding of the role of the adaptive immune response in... --- - Published: 2025-03-18 - Modified: 2025-04-09 - URL: https://atuka.com/how-ai-could-help-dramatically-change-the-drug-discovery-process/ - Categories: Behind the Science The upside of integrating AI into the drug discovery process is potentially game-changing, though it’s also important to be clear-eyed and not get too caught up in the hype. Jon Brotchie reflects on AI’s potential benefits in drug development for Parkinson's, from finding new and better molecules for novel un-imagined targets, and the repurposing of de-risked molecules, to the shortening of timelines to preclinical proof-of-principle. By Jonathan Brotchie A couple weeks ago, at the 2nd Annual Protein Degradation for CNS Summit in Boston, I had the great pleasure of joining a roundtable discussion on the integration of AI in targeted protein degradation (TPD) drug discovery, particularly in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PKPD) for neurodegenerative diseases. The conversation helped crystallize my own thinking around how AI will affect what we do at Atuka and more generally where we see the most immediate benefits in drug development for Parkinson's. I think it’s good news for Atuka and Parkinson’s. Of course, it’s not just me thinking about AI, over the past year we’ve seen a batch of new studies and media reports focusing welcome attention on the potential of AI-assisted drug development. As we are all too aware, pharmaceutical development today comes with an enormous expenditure of time and cost, at an average of ten years and $2 billion (USD) per drug according to The Economist, with approximately one-third of that total associated with the preclinical phase. It’s an investment that comes with enormous business risk, given that only one-in-ten drugs that begin preclinical development even make it as far as Phase 1, let alone become available to patients. The upside of integrating AI in the drug discovery process is potentially game-changing, though it’s also important to be clear-eyed and not get too caught up in the hype. My sense is that AI could, on average, bring down the time it takes to develop a new drug, maybe shaving... --- - Published: 2025-02-05 - Modified: 2025-02-05 - URL: https://atuka.com/how-andrea-datu-sets-up-her-teammates-for-success/ - Categories: Meet the Atuka team As a rec league basketball player—not to mention diehard Toronto Raptors fan— Andrea-Kaye Datu is the closest thing Atuka has to a point guard both on and off the court. Off the court, at Atuka, Andrea serves as operations manager for the lab and office at our Toronto HQ. “It’s all about supporting the important work being done in the lab every day,” she says, “and making sure our processes flow. ” Which makes for a broad remit, with oversight on everything from purchasing supplies, supporting technicians, and equipment maintenance to scheduling, troubleshooting, and biohazardous waste management. “I pretty much have my hands on everything just to ensure the lab is functioning efficiently every day. ” It’s not far removed from how she describes her role on the court. “As a point guard, I’m definitely a playmaker,” she says. “I like to orchestrate the offence, set up my teammates, and control the tempo. I prioritize assists but I’ll take the shot if needed. I like efficient shots. ” Maybe it’s not surprising to learn she’s also her team’s GM. Though Andrea first discovered her passion for genetics and molecular biology in high school, it didn’t become clear until her final year of undergrad at the University of Guelph, when she did her first intensive lab-based research project, what a career in science might look like for her. “I was taking all these classes and tests, and it felt like I didn’t ‘get it’ yet. But once I really started learning... --- - Published: 2025-01-07 - Modified: 2025-01-07 - URL: https://atuka.com/embracing-a-culture-of-continuous-learning/ - Categories: Meet the Atuka team At Atuka’s facility in Suzhou, China, the team that Su Jin oversees as operations manager conducts both small and large scale non-human primate studies for our partners around the world. Born just an hour’s drive away in Changshu, Su Jin has spent all of his study and working life in and around the interconnected cities of the Yangtze delta. He speaks fondly of his hometown, known for its abundant and unique freshwater fish, and a correspondingly wide variety of soup-based cuisine. “The food is just wetter there,” he explains. Su Jin studied at China Pharmaceutical University in Nanjing, majoring in scientific analysis of traditional Chinese medicine. His first job out of school was in quality assurance at a pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Suzhou. Since joining Atuka, he has rapidly progressed from animal care and management into a much broader operational role, overseeing the local team and serving as the bridge with our labs and scientists in Toronto.   Why did you choose to move from your previous job to Atuka? It felt like there were no real opportunities to progress there. Atuka offered a very good opportunity for my personal growth, in a way that aligns with my personal goals. I want to focus on facility management in the CRO field, and here I have a lot of responsibilities. And the people here are very nice! Company culture is also very important to me, and Atuka provides a good work-life balance. Your job title is operations manager, but what are... --- - Published: 2025-01-07 - Modified: 2025-01-07 - URL: https://atuka.com/tielli-magnus-on-the-sources-of-her-scientific-inspiration/ - Categories: Meet the Atuka team For many of Atuka’s partners, scientist Tielli Magnus M. Sc. is their first point of contact when initiating a preclinical study. “I work with the client to sort out and manage all of the details once a project has been commissioned,” she explains. While attending high school in the Brazilian city of Porto Alegre where she grew up, Tielli fell in love with biology, and more specifically genetics, thanks to a succession of teachers who helped nurture her interest. For her first job after completing her Master’s, she moved to Rio de Janeiro to work as a biologist at a pharmaceutical company. Not only did the city’s pace and traffic disagree with her, she also began to appreciate the particular challenges of being a scientist in Brazil. “The reality is that to do good science, it’s almost like you can’t have a life,” she says, “especially if you stay in academia. You work seven days a week and you barely see your family, you’re always travelling, always trying to raise money for your research. ” Hoping to carve out a career in science with a more favourable work-life balance, Tielli packed her bags for Canada, where after refreshing her studies she eventually landed with Atuka. Though living far from home, she still takes enormous pride in Brazil’s history of scientific discovery and innovation—national icons such as the physician Oswaldo Cruz, a pioneer in public health, epidemiology, and vaccination, and early aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. “I think it's because of the challenges... --- - Published: 2024-12-11 - Modified: 2024-12-11 - URL: https://atuka.com/parkinsons-disease-prevalence-is-soaring-but-is-there-a-good-news-story-hidden-in-the-data/ - Categories: Behind the Science As Parkinson’s becomes the fastest-growing neurological disorder worldwide, its rising prevalence raises urgent questions about public health and economic impact. Could improved diagnosis, treatment, and life expectancy offer a hidden silver lining within the statistics? by Dr. Jonathan Brotchie and Patrick Howson ___ Parkinson’s disease is now the world’s fastest growing neurological disorder. In 2017, the Global Burden of Disease study found that between 1990 and 2016, age-standardized prevalence of Parkinson’s increased worldwide by nearly 22%. A paper from the following year even makes a case for “The Emerging Evidence of the Parkinson Pandemic”. Parkinson Canada recently issued what should be an eye opening report for anyone with a stake in public health. “The Economic Burden of Parkinson’s in Canada” underscores the enormous impact the disease will have on patients, their families, and society in the years ahead, as that impact grows in proportion with the increasing prevalence. It’s important to note as we consider this increase that the difference between trends in prevalence (the overall number of cases) and incidence (the number of new cases) can be difficult to distinguish, partly due to changes in case definition over time, but the net result according to this report’s estimates is that the economic burden of Parkinson’s for Canadians will rise from $3. 3 billion in 2024 to $4. 4 billion by 2034. And that’s only the direct costs, as the study “excludes costs related to diagnosis, long-term care or palliative care, costs for publicly insured drugs other than dopa and dopa derivatives,” along with many other factors, such as associated losses in work productivity, and “the monetization of decreased quality of life and mortality. ” These are financially significant exclusions. In the US, we see the... --- - Published: 2024-11-08 - Modified: 2024-11-08 - URL: https://atuka.com/highlights-from-neuroscience-2024-advances-in-parkinsons-disease-research/ - Categories: Behind the Science At the annual summit of the Society for Neuroscience in Chicago, it was clearer than ever that collaboration and advancing technologies are central to moving the field forward. ___ Earlier this month at Neuroscience 2024, the annual summit of the Society for Neuroscience, over 22,000 attendees converged in Chicago to discuss every aspect of neuroscience imaginable. Amongst those present on behalf of Atuka were Patrick Howson, Michael Hill, Donya Aref , and Tom Johnston, who were there to share our own data, a new anxiety model we are developing in non-human primates, further characterization of our mouse AAV-alpha synuclein model, and a study evaluating a potential therapeutic target in biopsy samples collected from people with Parkinson’s disease and age-matched controls. Obviously, given the size of the conference, it was impossible to see everything, but some of the highlights included: Innovations by collaborators and partners Our longtime friends at MapLight Therapeutics, Inc. are using cutting-edge optogenetic and transcriptomic approaches to seek novel therapies for conditions including schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease.  Another of Atuka’s collaborators, Andrew West from Duke University, presented an impressive number of posters continuing work into interactions between LRRK2, synuclein, and Rab10 in Parkinson’s disease.  Pharmacodynamic responses in these two markers were evaluated in non-human primate biofluids treated acutely or chronically with LRRK2 kinase inhibitors. Preliminary results in Andy’s posters suggest that both serum and CSF concentrations of total LRRK2, and the ratio of pT73-Rab10 to total Rab10, are highly pharmacodynamic and rapidly diminish with LRRK2 inhibition. These studies will reveal the relationship between free drug levels and the fluid biomarkers to help establish a foundation for the successful integration of these markers into ongoing clinical trials for... --- - Published: 2024-09-24 - Modified: 2024-10-03 - URL: https://atuka.com/new-frontiers-in-inflammasome-therapeutics-insights-from-the-6th-annual-summit/ - Categories: Behind the Science Insights from Atuka's recent visit to the 6th Annual Inflammasome Summit in Boston. by Dr. Jonathan Brotchie ___ A few days ago, Patrick Howson and I returned from the 6th Annual Inflammasome Therapeutics Summit in Boston, organized by our friends at Hanson Wade.   It was encouraging to see just how mature and dynamic the inflammasome field has become, and how varied the potential indications are, from rare genetic disorders like Cryopyrin-Associated Autoinflammatory Syndromes (CAPS), through neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s, to common metabolic disorders like gout.   Given Atuka’s primary areas of expertise, we were primarily there to learn more about the opportunities for inflammasome focused therapeutics in treating Parkinson’s, and welcomed the opportunity to share some of our data on the NLRP3 inflammasome. In our alpha synuclein models of PD, we have seen the powerful neuroprotective effects of inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome with the tool compound MCC950. It’s an area in which we’ve worked with many collaborators over the past five years, probably more than any other target in PD.   (For anyone reading who doesn't know much about NLRP3 inflammasome, I have included a brief overview of the biology toward the end of this post. ) A real highlight was the talk from Matthias Geyer of the University of Bonn. Geyer is a structural biologist and is using nanobodies derived from camelids (llamas and alpacas) to help us better understand the structural biology of Gasdermin D pore formation. I’m always impressed with how that atomic-level understanding can give insight into how we develop therapeutics for this system.... --- - Published: 2024-08-06 - Modified: 2024-10-01 - URL: https://atuka.com/atuka-releases-its-latest-white-paper-on-the-future-of-gene-therapy/ - Categories: News Building on Atuka’s pioneering work in Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, this paper lays out the transformative potential of gene therapy. We're excited to share our latest white paper, The Future of Gene Therapy, authored by Dr. Patrick Howson, Chief Innovation Officer at Atuka. Building on Atuka’s pioneering work in Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, this paper lays out the transformative potential of gene therapy, covering critical advancements and future directions in the field. Lately, we have leveraged our expertise in rodent and NHP neuroanatomy and neurosurgery to become experts at delivering pharmacodynamic and biodistribution studies in the gene therapy area. Whether you're a researcher, clinician, pharmaceutical leader, or biotech enthusiast, Patrick provides valuable insights into the preclinical development of gene therapies, focusing on innovative delivery methods, regulatory landscapes, and evolving market dynamics. Join us in exploring how gene therapy is revolutionizing medicine and offering new hope for countless patients worldwide. • Advanced Delivery Systems: Explore the cutting-edge techniques improving gene therapy delivery, including rAAV vectors and non-viral platforms. • Regulatory Challenges: Navigate the complex and fragmented regulatory landscape that gene therapies navigate. • Market Insights: Understand the current market and future trends driving the growth of gene therapies. • Preclinical Development: Learn about the crucial preclinical considerations, from species selection to immunogenicity and genomic risks. Read the white paper. --- - Published: 2024-07-05 - Modified: 2024-09-30 - URL: https://atuka.com/announcing-a-1-5m-collaboration-with-kannalife-sciences-and-the-michael-j-fox-foundation/ - Categories: News The grant will fund preclinical research of Kannalife Science's KLS-13019, a synthetic cannabinoid therapeutic which offers great promise for Parkinson’s disease. Atuka are delighted to share that the The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research has committed $1. 5 million in grant funding to support preclinical research of Kannalife Sciences, Inc. 's KLS-13019, a synthetic cannabinoid therapeutic which offers great promise for Parkinson’s disease (PD). KLS-13019 has a dual mechanism that can address both neuroinflammation and impaired mitochondrial health, two pathological mechanisms associated with PD. This grant represents a major milestone in Kannalife’s research efforts, and Atuka is proud to have contributed its expertise in Parkinson’s disease toward developing both the funding proposal and the study protocol to validate this deeply interesting molecule. Atuka’s team—led by Tom Johnston and Patrick Howson, working with our colleague Chi Wang Ip of University Hospital Würzburg—are looking forward to undertaking this multi-year project to validate this unique compound’s therapeutic potential for Parkinson’s. Atuka is always keen to work with collaborators on grant submissions for studies that expand the frontiers of therapeutic development. + Follow Atuka on LinkedIn --- - Published: 2024-05-31 - Modified: 2024-07-30 - URL: https://atuka.com/what-the-market-overlooked-in-seeloss-recent-trehalose-study/ - Categories: Behind the Science - Tags: ALS, Round Table Atuka's Jonathan Brotchie and Patrick Howson take a deeper look at the top-line results for IV trehalose, an ALS treatment, and see signs of potential for the compound that the market may have missed. Collaboration is one of the core pillars of our scientific work at Atuka. Whether externally with our partners, amongst ourselves, or within the broader research ecosystem, we believe that through sharing knowledge and insights, we can expand our impact and get us closer to success in alleviating the burden of those suffering from Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. Our leadership regularly sits down together to dig deeper into the latest research news and developments. This is how we do science everyday. We invite you to join in on the conversation down below in the comments. Recently, Seelos Therapeutics released an update on its top-line results with IV trehalose, a treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that’s been very promising to date. The results were not received positively by the markets—which gave us pause, as we saw some cause for hope that progress was being made. Here’s what stood out to us: Despite not meeting its primary endpoint, trehalose appeared to perform better than previous treatments in the Healey trial, and is worthy of further evaluation, both for ALS and Parkinson’s disease. Despite that ongoing potential, market reactions to the results were extremely negative, showcasing the possible disconnect between scientific progress and investor expectations. There’s also a disconnect between the preclinical and clinical data in that Seelos chose to administer IV rather than orally. To assess the potential of trehalose from here, we need to better understand the difference in efficacy between oral and IV. (Disclosure: Atuka has received a... --- - Published: 2024-05-27 - Modified: 2024-09-30 - URL: https://atuka.com/atuka-welcomes-new-board-member-ian-lennox/ - Categories: News As Atuka expands beyond its traditional base in Parkinson's research, we look forward to Lennox's contributions as a pioneering executive with decades of experience as an innovator in our sector. Atuka is delighted to welcome Ian Lennox, a successful and pioneering leader in the biopharmaceutical research industry, as a non-executive member of our Board of Directors.   Over the last decade, Atuka has successfully expanded its offerings from a traditional base in Parkinson’s to establish contract research services in gene therapy, cognition, and other challenging neurological diseases. As we now look to further build on that growth with a fresh and ambitious strategic plan, we are excited about Ian’s contribution to that process, and the thoughtful, energetic, and innovative approach to executive leadership he has shown throughout his extensive career. As CEO for companies such as Drug Royalty (DRI), Phoenix Life Sciences, MDS, and Ricerca Biotechnology, or at the more than a dozen other companies for whom he has served as an executive or director (Monsanto, Celerion, Bracket, Lakepharma, YPrime, CHS), he’s shown exactly what it takes to innovate in the biotechnology sector. Atuka is honoured to have his expertise at our boardroom table. + Follow Atuka on LinkedIn --- - Published: 2024-05-10 - Modified: 2024-09-30 - URL: https://atuka.com/tavapodon-offers-great-promise-as-a-new-therapeutic-for-parkinsons-disease/ - Categories: Behind the Science On the encouraging topline results from Cerevel Therapeutics' Phase III TEMPO-3 trial for tavapadon, a D1/D5 dopamine receptor partial agonist. At Atuka, we were very encouraged to read the topline results from the Cerevel Therapeutics Phase III TEMPO-3 trial for tavapadon, a D1/D5 dopamine receptor partial agonist.   The trial looked at tavapadon’s efficacy as an add-on to dopaminergic therapy and showed an increase in total on-time without troublesome dyskinesia of 1. 1 hours a day, as measured using the Hauser diaries. (“On-time” refers to the duration of anti-parkinsonian benefit provided by a treatment. ) Tavapadon also showed “a statistically significant reduction in off-time,” a secondary endpoint. While Cerevel’s results are themselves promising, their implications go beyond the possibility we might soon have a new addition to our armamentarium against Parkinson’s disease. It’s exciting news, given how rare it is to see a new therapy for Parkinson’s progress this far—knocking on the door of the approval process. There’s now an excellent chance of tavapadon getting into the hands of patients and potentially making a difference. Tavapadon could well be providing a better quality of on-time than we’re seeing with other therapies currently on the market. While entacapone and rasagiline both extend on-time to a similar magnitude, that increase is often accompanied by dyskinesia.   What is the potential financial value here? Entacapone products—including Stalevo, Comtess, and Comtan—had annual sales of about $100 million in 2023, though that appears to be coming down a little with the new generic from Alembic now on the market. When Cerevel releases additional data from the trial in the latter half of 2024, it will... --- ---