Clinical trials are a vital part of searching for better treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s. They rely on participants to help understand the potential benefits of a new treatment, before it can become available. If clinical trials fail to recruit enough participants, important new treatments could be delayed by years, or risk never being made available at all.

We are featuring two trials which are struggling to recruit participants. Both of these trials are looking for people with Parkinson’s.

If you don’t have Parkinson’s or these opportunities aren’t relevant to you, please help us spread the word by sharing with your friends, family and community. 

One focuses on a new drug to slow the progression of Parkinson’s, while the other is hoping to help manage symptoms of the condition. 

Exploring a new drug to slow progression in newly diagnosed people with Parkinson’s

• 450 people diagnosed with Parkinson's in the past 2 years
• between 40-75 years of age
• who have not taken drug treatments for their Parkinson's (if you have taken a drug for less than 1 month you will still be eligible) 
• who can travel to a study site in Glasgow, London (Marylebone and Tooting) or Plymouth

What is involved? 
You will be asked to visit a study site 16 times over the space of 1.5 years, where you will be given either the active drug or a placebo drug. 3 of these visits can take place at your home. The study will involve a variety of investigations at each visit, including an MRI scan if you have not had one in the past 6 months.

Your expenses will be reimbursed for your participation in this research.

For more information, please read the study guide and leaflet before 30 September 2022. 

Can a wrist worn device help improve some symptoms of Parkinson’s?

• 2700 people with Parkinson’s who have access to a smartphone, they don’t need to experience drooling and 
• 300 people who experience problems with drooling 

What is involved? 
Participants will be given the wrist worn device to use at home. You will be asked to give feedback to the research team about any problems and suggestions for improvement. Those who experience drooling will be included in a separate trial of the device to see if it also helps with this symptom. 

Participants will be able to keep the wrist worn device after the trial has completed. 

For more information please read the Participant Information Sheet before 31 January 2023. 

Maybe this research isn't for you?

We realise that not every piece of research is right for everyone.

To find more opportunities near you, use our postcode searchable Take Part Hub which is regularly updated with new research looking for people like you.

You might also be interested in our news story about 5 clinical trials which are urgently looking for participants.

These opportunities are not managed by Parkinson's UK. 

Please consider sharing these opportunities with others who might be interested in taking part.

Best wishes,

Becky Jones
Research Communications Officer