Research | Parkinson's Foundation
Groundbreaking research on Parkinson's Disease
The Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence is dedicated to advancing knowledge and treatment of Parkinson’s disease through innovative, patient-centered research. Investigators explore the underlying biology of the disease, test new therapeutic strategies, and study the impact of Parkinson’s on daily life and long-term health outcomes. By integrating laboratory discoveries with clinical trials and community-based studies, the center fosters a comprehensive approach that accelerates the development of improved treatments and care strategies. Collaboration with patients, families, and multidisciplinary experts ensures that research findings translate directly into meaningful improvements in quality of life for those affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Currently Enrolling Studies
This study will examine the potential of CVN424 (a GPR6 inverse agonist) to decrease off-time in patients with Parkinson’s disease with motor complications. Participants will be randomized to receive either 75 mg or 150 mg CVN424 once daily or a matching placebo for 12 weeks. Participants will be asked to attend 7 study visits (including screening and follow-up) over ~20 weeks.
Contact:
Teresa Scerbak [email protected] or
Cate Cochren [email protected]
exPDite-2 is a double-blind, simulated surgery-controlled phase 3 study evaluating the potential efficacy and safety of an investigational cell therapy called bemdaneprocel. Bemdaneprocel is a cell therapy designed to potentially replace the dopamine-producing neurons that are lost in Parkinson’s disease with the aim of engrafting into the brain to restore dopaminergic function.
Eligible participants in this study must be between the ages of 45-75, have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease between 4-12 years ago, be taking a dose of levodopa at least three times per day, but still have daily "off" time. This study will run for 5 to 8 years depending on the group participants are randomized to. This study requires participants to travel to different locations for the surgery and for some of the imaging assessments.
For more information:
BlueRock Therapeutics – exPDite-2 Study for Parkinson's disease
Contact: Frank Ferrari [email protected] or Angela Stoval [email protected]
PD GENEration is a Parkinson’s Foundation research study that offers genetic testing and genetic counseling at no cost to people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Participants must have a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, be least 18 years old, and willing to undergo genetic testing and choose to be informed for genetic testing results. Results are provided in a genetic counseling session.
Contact: Teresa Scerback [email protected]
The goal of this study is to test whether Varenicline (compared to placebo—i.e. a sugar pill) reduces fall risk in certain people with Parkinson disease (PD).
Participation in the study will take place over 13.5 months. The screening visit is expected to take 1-2 days but may be divided into more days depending on your scheduling preferences. The in-person visits at months 6 and 12 are each expected to take one full day. The phone visits are expected to take about 20 minutes each.
We are hoping to enroll people with Parkinson disease in this study who also meet a few other criteria:
• They have some cognitive changes but are not as impaired as people who have dementia.
• They have reduced acetylcholine in a specific part of the brain found on a type of imaging called positron emission tomography (“PET” imaging).
• They are 45 years or older
• They have a legally authorized representative who can help provide documented informed consent or they have good enough understanding of the study themselves to pass a formal quiz about the study
Contact: Dawn Keys [email protected]
