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MJFF Interview | What Imaging Tech Can Reveal About Parkinson's

2025-07-25 09:44

On July 16, 2025, Dr. Roger Gunn, Chief Science Officer (CSO) of Mitro and CSO of its wholly-owned subsidiary Xing Imaging, was invited to an interview on the "Parkinson's Science POV Podcast" hosted by the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) — a world-leading non-profit organization funding Parkinson's disease research. During the interview, Dr. Roger Gunn engaged in an in-depth discussion with Dr. Jamie Eberling, Senior Vice President of Research Resources at MJFF, focusing on brain imaging technologies for Parkinson's disease. Drawing on their respective research experiences, the two experts shared cutting-edge insights on key topics such as the critical value of imaging technologies in Parkinson's disease research, existing technological breakthroughs (including the application of dopamine imaging and progress in the development of alpha-synuclein tracers), challenges in technology translation, and future directions. This dialogue offered both professional depth and forward-looking perspectives to the industry.

In terms of current and emerging imaging technologies, Roger Gunn noted that dopamine neuron loss can currently be detected using SPECT and PET. While alpha-synuclein imaging is not yet fully mature, significant progress has been made, with a viable PET tracer expected to be available within 1–2 years — a development that would bring transformative breakthroughs to Parkinson's disease research. He also elaborated on the numerous challenges in developing alpha-synuclein PET tracers, such as the low density of the target protein and high specificity requirements. Regarding the application of imaging technologies in scientific research and clinical practice, he emphasized that they can optimize clinical trials through precise patient enrollment and dynamic monitoring, thereby enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Notably, Roger Gunn mentioned in the interview that human trials of the alpha-synuclein PET tracer will commence in 2025 at the Human Imaging Center (HIC) in New Haven, USA. Mitro's HIC in New Haven, officially launched in October 2024, is dedicated to providing advanced imaging services to clients worldwide, equipped with cutting-edge facilities and a professional team. The establishment of HIC has not only strengthened Mitro's global footprint in the nuclear medicine CRO sector but also built new collaborative bridges for local research institutions and medical facilities, creating more opportunities for cooperation.

For the complete interview, please visit:

What Imaging Tech Can Reveal About Parkinson's | Parkinson's Disease