Advancing GBA1 Research: A Glimpse into GBA1 Canada’s Mission and Impact 

GBA1 Canada (G-Can) stands at the forefront of neurodegenerative disease research, focusing on the GBA1 gene—a critical player in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Lewy body dementia. Established as a pre-competitive, open science initiative, G-Can is committed to accelerating the development of targeted therapies for individuals with GBA1 mutations.

Mission and Vision 

At its core, G-Can aims to generate and share comprehensive resources—including human cell lines, organoids, animal models, and extensive clinical, genetic, and imaging data—with the global scientific community and industry partners. This collaborative approach is designed to expedite the discovery of effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases associated with GBA1 mutations.

Strategic Goals 

G-Can’s ambitious objectives include developing trial-ready populations and initiating the first clinical trial targeting GBA1 within five years. Subsequent trials are planned to explore combination therapies, aiming to improve the quality of life for patients by reducing or preventing disease symptoms.

Collaborative Network

The initiative benefits from robust partnerships with esteemed organizations such as The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital), the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Cure Parkinson’s, and the Silverstein Foundation. These collaborations enhance G-Can’s capacity to conduct groundbreaking research and foster innovation in the field.

Community Engagement

G-Can actively engages with the broader community through events like the annual GBA1 Meeting, which brings together researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals to share insights and advancements in GBA1-related research. Additionally, the initiative offers travel awards to support trainees’ participation, promoting the development of the next generation of scientists in this critical area.

GBA1 Meeting 2025 

The GBA1 Meeting 2025 happened on June 5-7, 2025, in Montreal, QC, Canada. 

Gain Therapeutics presented an update on June 5th.