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). This quarter's Research Roundup includes a Phase II trial testing whether low-dose carbon monoxide can protect brain cells in Parkinson's and a brief survey asking people with Parkinson's, dementia with Lewy bodies and care partners what they want to know about their own research results. Whether or not you have Parkinson's, you may be able to help.

Take a look at the opportunities below, and please share with your networks.

A Survey on Sharing Research Results: Most studies don't share research results to the people who participate in them for reasons ranging from ethical questions to logistical and resource barriers. Some research suggests participants want that access - but little is known about what people living with Parkinson's, people with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and their care partners prefer. This Foundation-funded project, led by Melissa Armstrong, MD, at the University of Florida, is asking them directly. The online survey takes less than 10 minutes and is open to people with Parkinson's, people with DLB and care partners of either. Responses will help researchers understand how to best share biomarker results and will serve as a resource to other studies. Access the survey here.

Testing Whether Carbon Monoxide Can Protect Brain Cells: For decades, researchers have observed that people who smoke cigarettes have a markedly lower risk of developing Parkinson's - and nicotine doesn't appear to explain it. One theory points to carbon monoxide, which may benefit people with Parkinson's without subjecting them to the known health risks of smoking. An oral liquid drug with a low-dose of carbon monoxide, HBI-002, has previously been tested for safety in healthy adults and in people with sickle cell disease, and now is being tested in a Phase IIa clinical study in people with Parkinson's. This study is currently open for study participation. Sponsored by Hillhurst Bio, MJFF has provided grant funding to support this study. Read more about the study and check if you are eligible.

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: www.michaeljfox.org/trial-finder.

• Christina Szalinski

  Science Writer