Research Trials
Clinical trials are the final and crucial step in delivering new drugs to patients. When you participate in research, you give something money can’t buy. Parkinson’s patients and their loved ones are eager to play an active role in finding the cure, and dozens of new clinical trials are launched each year. Yet challenges identifying participants too often mean that these studies finish late — or never really get started.
Today, 80 percent of trials fail to recruit enough volunteers within planned timelines. This slows research progress and deters funders from investing in Parkinson’s research. It is estimated that only 1 in 10 people with Parkinson’s participate in clinical trials. Yet in spite of the challenges, we know that this low participation rate belies the Parkinson’s community’s significant interest in stepping up.
There are many different types of Parkinson’s trials, including ones that test new drug compounds and devices (interventional trials), ones that aim to better understand the disease (observational trials), and tests of non-pharmacological interventions.
Fox Trial Finder
When you participate in research, you give something money can’t buy. Fox Trial Finder opens the door to your opportunity to make a priceless contribution in the search for a cure.
Fox Insight
The future of Parkinson’s research is in powerful hands. Yours.
Fox Insight is an online clinical study where people with Parkinson’s disease and their loved ones share information that could transform the search for better treatments. You in?
Parkinson’s Clinical Trials
Shake It Up Australia Foundation is currently funding and supporting research projects which require volunteers. Learn about the trials you can participate in to help find better treatments and ultimately a cure for Parkinson’s.
"Cures aren't going to fall from the sky. We have to climb up and get them."
Michael J. Fox
Trial Facts
- There are many different types of Parkinson’s trials, including ones that test new drug compounds and devices (interventional trials), ones that aim to better understand the disease (observational trials), and tests of non-pharmacological interventions such as acupuncture, exercise and even video gaming
- Fewer than half of all trial participants ever receive a placebo
- Participating in a trial should not interfere with your usual care
- As a volunteer, you are protected by the patient’s bill of rights that allows you to end your participation in the trial at any point
Types of Clinical Trials
Treatment trials test new treatments, new combinations of drugs, or new approaches to surgery or radiation therapy.
- Prevention trials look for better ways to prevent disease in people who have never had the ailment or to prevent a disease from returning. These approaches may include medicines, vitamins, minerals, vaccines, or lifestyle changes.
- Diagnostic trials are conducted to find better tests or procedures for diagnosing a disease or condition.
- Screening trials test the best way to detect certain diseases or health conditions.
- Quality-of-life trials, also known as supportive care trials, explore ways to improve quality of life for people with chronic illnesses.
Clinical Trial Phases
Phase I: Researchers test a new drug or treatment in a small group of people (20-80) for the first time to evaluate safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.
Phase II: The studied drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people (100-300) to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.
Phase III: The studied drug or treatment is given to large groups of people (1,000-3,000) to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments and collect data that will allow the treatment to be used safely.
Phase IV: After a drug or treatment is on the market, this phase is used to delineate additional information, including its risks, benefits, and optimal use.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov