Dr. Mehrdad Shamloo selected for SPARK NS Translational Research Program
April 7, 2026 - By Kathryn Sill
Mehrdad Shamloo, PhD, Professor (Research) of Neurosurgery and, by courtesy, of Neurology and Neurological Sciences
PALO ALTO, Calif. – Mehrdad Shamloo, PhD, MS, Professor (Research) of Neurosurgery and, by courtesy, of Neurology and Neurological Science, was one of three principal investigators to be added to the SPARK NS Translational Research Program, 2026 Cohort.
The 2026 Cohort program supports 12 projects at institutions in the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe, offering up to $24 million in milestone-based funding and related support, with up to $2 million per project.
Shamloo’s project will focus on “Selective Receptor Agonists for Parkinson’s Disease”.
Shamloo established his own research laboratory and a new center for neurotranslational and neuropharmacology at Stanford University in 2008. His research primarily focuses on unraveling the complexities of normal and pathological brain functions in neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Over the course of a decade, his laboratory achieved the groundbreaking discovery of novel adrenergic agonists, which led him to cofound CuraSen Therapeutics, a Phase II company dedicated to advancing these therapies for PD and AD. Currently, Mehrdad and his team are concentrating on the development of GPCR agonists as potential treatments for neurodegenerative disorders, specifically AD and PD.
“I’m honored to join the SPARK NS Translational Research Program, as it represents a significant step forward for our work on selective receptor agonists for Parkinson's disease,” Shamloo said. “This collaboration will help us translate our research into real-world therapies and reinforces our dedication to meeting the urgent needs of patients facing neurodegenerative disorders.”
“SPARK NS is honored to be forming a close drug development partnership with Drs. Carr, Salvatella, and Shamloo as we work together to advance their discoveries,” said Opher Kornfeld, PhD, Managing Director, Translational Research and Development of SPARK NS. “All three represent novel and creative ideas at the forefront of research with the promise to transform patient care. We are excited to leverage our robust drug development infrastructure, resources, and expertise at SPARK NS to efficiently develop these compelling discoveries into impactful therapeutics that address critical unmet clinical needs in the Parkinson’s disease and autism spaces.”