Struggling with the ups and downs of Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, often with symptoms that get in the way of active daily life. By participating in a Parkinson’s disease … clinical trial, you would be contributing to research that is exploring whether an investigational treatment can potentially improve ups and downs in motor symptoms.

See if You Qualify

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Clinical studies have strict guidelines to ensure patient safety and accurate results. While every study is different, currently enrolling local studies are looking for  individuals who:

Are men or women between 30 and 80 years of age
Have a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and a stable dose of Parkinson’s medication
Experience “OFF” time daily (times when medications do not work)
Can swallow oral medication tablets
Are not currently and have not used any tobacco products in the last 6 months

Additional criteria apply. A study doctor will determine final eligibility based on full medical criteria.

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How Clinical
Trials Work

Clinical trials are the foundation of medical advancement. They are carefully monitored research studies designed to evaluate whether investigational medications, procedures, or devices are safe and effective. Before any new treatment can be approved and made widely available to the public, it must pass through rigorous phases of clinical research. Participating in a clinical trial means not only exploring a new potential treatment, but also helping shape the future of Parkinson’s care for generations to come.

Here’s a look at what a clinical trial for Parkinson’s disease might involve:

A principal investigator, or PI, is the physician in charge at a designated study site for the clinical trial who is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the clinical study. That individual carries out what is called a protocol.

A Protocol is a document that describes how the trial is designed, and outlines how it should be carried out.

Clinical trials, also called research studies or clinical studies, can be either interventional, or non-interventional. Interventional studies mean that they test out an intervention, like a drug, procedure or medical device. Non-interventional studies, also called observational studies, don’t test potential treatments. Instead, researchers observe the participants over a period of time, and track health outcomes.

Clinical Trials Make A Difference

Participation in a clinical study provides valuable information that could eventually lead to a better treatment and — with the right advancements — to better outcomes. Take our short survey to see if you or a loved one may be a good fit. There is no obligation to enroll.

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Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

WHAT IS IT?

Parkinson’s disease causes a loss of the cells in the brain that produce dopamine, a chemical essential for smooth, coordinated movements. Medications like levodopa replace this dopamine. However, over time, the brain’s ability to store dopamine decreases. When a dose of Parkinson’s medication wears off before the next one is due, symptoms return. This period of slowness, stiffness, or tremor is known as “OFF” time.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

Treatment for Parkinson’s disease currently includes medicines, surgical interventions, and other treatments that may help individuals with Parkinson’s disease manage some of the symptoms. The main therapy for Parkinson’s disease, levodopa, works to replace the brain’s supply of dopamine in the nerve cells. However, over time, the brain’s ability to store dopamine decreases. When a dose of levodopa wears off before the next one is due, symptoms return. This period of slowness, stiffness, or tremor is known as “OFF” time. Long term exposure to levodopa is also associated to the occurrence of involuntary, writhing movements known as dyskinesia.¹

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

Living with the return of tremors, stiffness, and slowness when Parkinson’s medications wear off is deeply frustrating. By volunteering for clinical research, participants play a vital role in helping researchers understand how to better treat changes in motor symptoms and contribute to a more hopeful future for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

1,000,000+

Number of people currently living with Parkinson’s disease in the United States.²

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the purpose of these studies?

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of investigational treatments for Parkinson’s disease motor fluctuations.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

Signs may include:¹

Tremor
Slowed movement
Rigid muscles
Postural instability
Speech changes
Writing changes
Nonmotor symptoms, like depression, anxiety, constipation and sleep problems.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055

Who may be a good candidate to apply for this study?

While every study is different, currently enrolling local studies are looking for individuals between the ages of 30 and 80 who:

Have a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and a stable dose of Parkinson’s medication
Experience “OFF” time daily (times when medications do not work)
Can swallow oral medication tablets
Are not currently and have not used any tobacco products in the last 6 months

Additional criteria apply. A study doctor will determine final eligibility based on full medical criteria.

What will happen during a clinical trial for Parkinson’s disease?

Most clinical trials will involve a screening visit to confirm that a potential patient is, in fact, a match for that study’s criteria. Once verified, an Informed Consent Form, which clearly provides the details and purpose of the study to that individual and what it involves, is reviewed with the patient to sign. Participants can then expect to attend scheduled appointments at a study clinician’s site. They may also receive a study treatment (also called an investigational product) or potentially a control (also known as placebo which contains no active treatment) and undergo additional assessments and follow-up monitoring. Throughout the study, participants should experience a professional clinical environment, and be treated with compassion and respect.

Are there any costs to participate in this study?

No, there is no cost to participate. For qualified participants who choose to be in this study, the study drug will be provided at no cost. There will be no charge for any tests, examinations, nor visits done as part of this study. Participants may be reimbursed for travel costs and out of pocket expenses or these costs may be covered directly. They may also receive compensation for their time and effort.

Do I need to stop taking my levodopa?

No. Current studies evaluate investigational treatments taken in addition to your standard anti-Parkinsons medications.

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