Canadian-American actor Michael J Fox, through his foundation The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF), has donated 5.5 million kroner to Danish pharmaceutical company Lundbeck.

"Our foundation exists to advance research toward better therapies for the millions of people living with Parkinson's disease," MJFF's CEO, Todd Sherer, stated in a press release. "The two Lundbeck projects that we have recently funded show promise in making a true difference in the lives of these patients — through easing symptoms and halting disease."

The donation was awarded in the form of grants that will help fund two research projects that aim to develop new potential pharmaceuticals against Parkinson's disease (PD). The first project focuses on developing preventative treatment, the second on symptomatic treatment.  

"We are very proud that MJFF wishes to join forces with us on our research. The world's leading researchers work with MJFF, and the research grants are testament to the work we conduct here at Lundbeck," Kim Andersen, the head of Lundbeck's research in Denmark, said in a press release.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation, one of the world's leading knowledge centres in Parkinson's disease, works toward a cure and has donated more than 1.9 billion kroner to PD research. Fox, best known for his roles in the 'Back to the Future' films and the television series 'Family Ties', was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991.

Lundbeck is a global pharmaceutical company that is committed to improving the quality of life of people living with brain diseases.