20 years of partnership with the Paris Brain Institute

Paris, June 6, 2024 - F.P.Journe celebrated 20 years of partnership with the Paris Brain Institute at the Paris Boutique. The event brought together François-Paul Journe, the Institute’s founding members and collectors, marking two decades of support for neuroscience research.

In 2004, Professor Gérard Saillant and Jean Todt decided to create a structure bringing together experts from all over the world to study all aspects of the brain, from fundamental to clinical research. Inspired by their vision, François-Paul Journe chose to support this initiative without the slightest hesitation, making F.P.Journe the longest-standing private partner.

Founded in 2008, the Paris Brain Institute is an innovative research centre in both concept and organisation. Bringing together patients, doctors, researchers and entrepreneurs in a single location, its aim is to enable the rapid development of treatments for nervous system pathologies, so that they can be offered to patients in the best possible time frame. Located at the heart of the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, one of Europe’s leading neurology centres, the Paris Brain Institute has become a world reference in just 15 years. It is home to over 900 international specialists, and includes 11 cutting-edge technological platforms, a clinical investigation centre, a training centre and a start-up incubator.

Two decades of partnership - Key moments

Many milestones have not only strengthened the ties between the two entities, but also helped raise important funds. By offering unique pieces at auctions, donating part of the profits from one of its models and funding ambitious projects, F.P.Journe has demonstrated its long-term commitment to the Paris Brain Institute and its mission.

2004_ To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Antiquorum auction house, F.P.Journe created three unique timepieces named Vagabondage, a term suggested by French collector Jean Aube, chosen to express the wandering of the window that captures the time and keeps it, while continuing its journey around the dial to indicate the minutes. Three models were then presented, in white, yellow and red gold, each representing a decade. Equipped with a brass movement, the watches were sold for CHF 210.450, all of which was donated to the Paris Brain Institute. It was on this occasion that François-Paul Journe met Jean Todt, Director of Ferrari and co-founder of the Institute. Together, they discussed an ideal chronograph for the world of motor racing.

2008_ François-Paul Journe presents the Centigraphe, a chronograph capable of measuring time to 1/100th of a second. Featuring an original movement, this watch symbolises François-Paul Journe’s philosophy of combining watchmaking tradition and innovation. That same year, the model received the prestigious Aiguille d’Or award at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. Particularly moved by the Institute’s research to combat brain and spinal cord diseases, François-Paul Journe offers to support it with this new chronograph, which Jean Todt agrees to sponsor. 30% of profits from the sale of each Centigraphe are donated to the Paris Brain Institute, with no time limit. On June 18, 2008 in Paris, the first stone for the building was symbolically laid in the presence of the founding members and François-Paul Journe.

2016_ A unique Centigraphe Souverain with a blue mother-of-pearl dial, discreetly bearing the Paris Brain Institute logo at 12 o’clock, is auctioned at a charity gala held at the Conciergerie in Paris. The hammer fell at €120,000, a sum that will also be entirely donated to the Institute.

2021_ F.P.Journe is committed to provide additional funding for a project in the “Big Brain Theory” program for a period of two years. This innovative scheme encourages collaboration among specialists from different disciplines to explore ambitious new ideas and open up novel therapeutic perspectives. The project focuses on research for patients suffering from multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system. Thanks to this support, researchers are developing a promising new technology that can also be applied to other neurological disorders.

Just like an F.P.Journe watch, the human brain is a highly complex and sophisticated structure. You have to understand its mechanisms in order to prevent damage and in order to begin repairing it. As Paris Brain Institute’s longest-standing private funder, F.P.Journe is a key player in our scientific and human adventure. I would like to thank the F.P.Journe collaborators for supporting our mission to search for, find, and cure brain disorders, and for transmitting their enthusiasm to F.P.Journe clients. Together, we are advancing the fight against brain disorders worldwide." Professor Gérard Saillant, President of the Paris Brain Institute.

Looking ahead - Strengthening the collaboration for 2024-2026

In addition to existing initiatives, F.P.Journe and the Paris Brain Institute are announcing a new partnership to support the Research and Development Unit (now called RnD Unit F.P.Journe), in order to enhance its capabilities in 2024-2026 through the recruitment of engineers and the acquisition of cutting-edge equipment.

The Institute relies on the RnD Unit to create innovative technological solutions alongside 27 research teams. Since its creation in 2022, it has initiated 50 projects, many of which have already had a significant impact, notably in the invention of devices for neurosurgery and diagnostic tools. Thanks to this support, the unit will be able to accelerate its development and meet the growing needs of researchers, clinicians and start-ups. The partnership will also strengthen open source sharing of prototypes, encouraging innovation and the diffusion of knowledge for the benefit of the global scientific community.

With an aging population, brain disorders will soon affect more than 1 in 8 people worldwide. F.P.Journe and the Paris Brain Institute look forward to continuing their collaboration in this common quest to understand, treat and cure these diseases.

Impact of F.P.Journe’s support

F.P.Journe’s support is important for the Institute, where a third of funding comes from private philanthropy. This investment allows to:

• Provide an optimal environment, attracting scientists from 46 countries. Thanks to this funding, researchers can be bold in their research, collaborate across disciplines and explore ambitious ideas with greater flexibility.

• Continually invest in the latest technologies, such as the NovaSeq X Plus sequencer, enabling fast and accurate genetic research. In 2023, this tool enabled us to reach a new milestone, increasing the speed of gene sequencing and strengthening participation in international projects.

• Accelerate the development of new therapies thanks to the Institute’s incubator, currently housing 26 start-ups. It enables entrepreneurs to work closely with doctors, patients and researchers to develop new therapies.

Major scientific achievements

Since its creation, the Paris Brain Institute has made significant scientific advances. For example:

• In 2023, a discovery on the role of the APP protein in Alzheimer’s disease revealed that subtle disruptions to this protein during fetal development could make individuals more vulnerable to this disease later in life.

• In 2021, a new therapeutic approach to treat tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease, using ultrasound neuromodulation, was validated. This method, which is less invasive than deep brain stimulation, helps to reduce tremors, particularly in the upper limbs.

• In 2020, the “Genetics and Development of Nervous System Tumors” research team identified genetic changes in certain gliomas, making these tumors resistant to chemotherapy. This will enable more personalised treatment in the event of recurrence.

• In 2020, the “Structural Dynamics of Networks” team developed the first complete mapping of the cerebral vascular system, opening up new opportunities in the study of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders.

• In 2014, a personalised remote diagnosis and monitoring system for epilepsy patients was developed using machine learning and big data algorithms. This system, using smart wearables, reduces the need for frequent hospital visits and led to the creation of the start-up Bioserenity, today an international-scale company.