Participating in Parkinson's Clinical Trials
Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that results from degeneration and premature death of dopamine-producing brain cells. A neurochemical that controls the communication among brain cells, dopamine is responsible for control of motor function. Eighty percent of dopamine-producing cells are lost before the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease even appear.
Who gets Parkinson's disease?
We know that there are more than 1 million Americans who live with Parkinson's disease, with 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The average age of onset is 60 years old, though people have been diagnosed as young as 18 years old.
Current Parkinson's disease Clinical Trials:
Parkinson's Study PO4501
This study is looking at an experimental medication to be used along with other Parkinson's medications to stabilize motor fluctuations and dyskinesia. The study will compare four different doses in patients with moderate to severe Parkinson's disease with at least five years since diagnosis. Participants must be 30 or older and in good general health with no significant neurological problems other than their Parkinson's disease. The study requires approximately 12 visits in 18 weeks. Participants will be compensated for time and travel for completed visits.
Parkinson's Disease Trial: Pramipexole ER
Pramipexole or Mirapex® immediate-release is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of early and advanced Parkinson's disease. Experts believed Parkinson's-disease patients would benefit from a Pramipexole tablet that could be given just once a day. They developed a new form of Pramipexole that is an extended-release tablet, meaning the ingredients are released slowly and constantly during a whole day. The study medication will be adjusted to the clinically appropriate dose and compared to placebo. Participants must be at least 30 at the time of diagnosis and diagnosed with Parkinson's disease within the last five years. The study lasts 33 weeks, with up to 12 visits. Participants will be compensated for time and travel for all completed study visits.
