MJFF bolsters Austrian Parkinson’s disease vaccine bid

A foundation established by Hollywood legend Michael J. Fox has decided to support an Austrian firm in developing a vaccine against Parkinson’s disease.Vienna-based Affiris AG announced today (Thurs) that it had received a donation of more than 355,000 Euros from the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) which was set up by the 49-year-old “Back to the Future” star 10 years ago.Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991 but disclosed the news to the public only seven years later. Affiris AG researchers are currently working on the creation of a substance which could decelerate the progress of the illness or even end it.Former People’s Party (ÖVP) leader Alois Mock, 76, is the best known Austrian suffering from the disease.