Research Roundup: Join Clinical Trials that Address Parkinson’s Progression and Symptoms

The Michael J. Fox Foundation's mission is to discover better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson's disease (PD). Whether you have Parkinson's or not, participating in research is a powerful way to contribute to these efforts. In this Research Roundup, we highlight Foundation-funded and partner studies currently seeking volunteers. Some of these clinical studies focus on treating motor symptoms and slowing disease progression, while others involve long-term participant observations to deepen our understanding of the disease.

Explore the links below to find out how you can get involved, and please share this information with your networks.

• Landmark Study Enrolling Anyone Aged 18 and Older: MJFF's landmark study, the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), is recruiting volunteers with and without PD. The study is exploring how brain disease starts and changes in people of all backgrounds. PPMI is open to anyone over age 18 in the U.S. Learn more and join the study that's changing everything.
• Smell Loss and Parkinson's: Smell loss can be an early sign of Parkinson's risk. PPMI is offering free scratch-and-smell tests to anyone age 40 and up, with and without Parkinson's. Request a free test today and help scientists learn more about brain disease and develop new treatments at mysmelltest.org/mjff.
• A Study to Slow Parkinson's Progression: The REGENERATE-PD study is testing a one-time gene therapy (AB-1005) to see if it can improve motor and non-motor symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease. Gene therapy is a medical treatment that fixes or replaces non-working genes to help prevent or cure diseases. Sponsored by AskBio, a subsidiary of Bayer, the study aims to help the brain produce more protective proteins called GDNF (glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor). It involves a procedure to directly deliver the therapy into the part of the brain that controls motor symptoms. After the procedure, participants will need follow-up visits every three to six months for up to five years. The study is enrolling people with Parkinson's age 45 to 75 who had a diagnosis for four to 10 years. It is looking for people who are experiencing motor fluctuations despite being on medications, such as levodopa, for at least one month. Read more about the study and find out if you are eligible to participate.
• An Experimental Stem Cell Treatment for Parkinson's Disease: A phase I/II clinical study is testing a potential therapy made up of stem cells (DSP-1083) in adults with Parkinson's disease. Doctors will place these stem cells into the brain during surgery with the goal of growing them into cells that make dopamine, a chemical that's lost in Parkinson's disease. The study aims to evaluate the safety and clinical responses of this procedure. Sponsored by Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc., the study is enrolling adults ages 40 to 72 with Parkinson's disease who still have symptoms even while taking their regular medication. Read more about the study and check if you are eligible.
• An Oral Treatment for Early Parkinson's: A phase II clinical trial is testing an oral, daily pill called NEU-411 to see if it is safe and helps slow Parkinson's progression. This treatment is designed specifically for people who have overactivity in the LRRK2 pathway, which includes - but is not limited to - people with mutations in the LRRK2 gene, along with approximately 30% of other individuals with Parkinson's. The drug is designed to slow disease progression by reducing activities related to the LRRK2 enzyme. Sponsored by Neuron23, the study is enrolling people ages 40 to 80 who have early Parkinson's symptoms and are not currently on dopamine therapy. As part of the eligibility screening, the company will test if you have an overactive LRRK2 pathway. Learn more about the study and find a site near you.

Fox Trial Finder is a free and easy tool that helps people discover clinical trials based on their unique health profile and interests. If you want to participate in research but are not sure which studies you qualify for, start here to find opportunities that match you: https://www.michaeljfox.org/trial-finder.