Michael J. Fox -- Open Freezer Door Cost Foundation Millions

Michael J. Fox's foundation is attacking a Parkinson's lab for destroying tens of thousands of critical samples ... and setting back much-needed research in the process.

The Foundation claims in a new lawsuit ... Coriell Institute exposed more than 25,000 specimens to the elements by leaving a freezer door open. The samples were supposed to be kept at negative 80 degrees Celsius but all of the bio-specimens thawed ... ruining them.

Michael's group claims the 5-year project is now seriously compromised ... and they're out more than $3 million precious dollars.