SEPTEMBER 2025 CTC
I’ve been hesitant to feature new clinical trials as a few that I had on my list to include in future columns have either been removed from the site or marked as withdrawn. Keeping my fingers crossed that the trials I feature continue to recruit and maintain their funding. I feel such frustration with the decisions that the recent healthcare appointees are making as there seems to be no scientific basis to their decisions. It is beyond disconcerting when considering the negative long term impact their decisions may have on all aspects of healthcare. Approval for new treatments is a lengthy process, the last thing we need is this level of political interference!
Click here for the rest of the report from Jen.
I would like to wish you all a Happy and Healthy 2025! Last year, I focused mostly on trials that were published on the National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials website. For those of who have tried to find trials on this site, it can be very challenging and frustrating. Sometimes I can find just what I’m looking for, other times I have to start my search over several times. Click here to read the rest.
Jen
If you are unfamiliar with Clinical Trials, this video explains the process:
What is a Clinical Research Study? The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research website guides you through the process of signing up for a clinical trial. Use the link provided below.
You are given many options in determining if a clinical trial is the right fit for you, including distance you are willing to travel and number of in-person visits required throughout the study. Be sure to read the inclusion and exclusion criteria! Fox Trial Finder | Parkinson’s Disease
Here is another from video PMD Alliance about navigating Clinicaltrials.gov, which will help you learn how to find the right trials for you.
Please let me know if there’s any specific drug, location or trial type that you’d like information on. I’m happy to get information to you or help you research the clinical trial site on your own. It’s not always easy to navigate. As much as I’m on there I sometimes forget to add one thing and I get all kinds of information that I simply don’t need. At the start of the new year, I am going to be focusing on some of the newer drugs that are beginning to recruit for upcoming trials and feature a few new medicines that have recently completed trials and been approved.
Jennifer Heath 310-428-8063 jenheathbar@gmail.com
PD Trials of Interest:
May, 2025
CELL THERAPY FOR PARKINSON’S
As those of us who have Parkinson’s know all too well, the medications available, even some ofthe newer meds and their delivery systems, are designed to manage symptoms. These treatments do not slow progression, lose effectiveness over time, and may cause side effects creating the need for yet another prescription. Even with the benefits that DBS and focused ultrasound may provide, none of the treatments currently available address the cause of neurodegeneration or the loss of neurons that are responsible for dopamine. Hopefully, we may soon have additional options in the form of gene therapy and cell therapy.
Gene therapy is now being recognized as a realistic option for the promotion of dopamine production and providing neuroprotection to the impacted neurons to prevent further degeneration. Another type of gene therapy being tested produces enzymes that may improve the response of the brain to currently used medications. The FDA has not yet approved any gene therapies, but there are several ongoing trials that have shown promise. Both the dopamine production trial and enzyme trial resulted in evidence that they were safe and restored dopamine. However, they also showed the need for an increase in the infusion amounts necessary for optimal results, a better delivery system that evades the blood brain barrier, such as capsules, and a reduction in the procedure time.
For more information on current trials, click here
April, 2025
Although this is a smalI clinical trial recruiting from designated locations in Florida, I found it to be interesting as it uses an alternative to medicine and includes both the person with Parkinson’s and their care partner. Nova Southeastern University in Florida is recruiting for a trial to determine if an evidenced based breathwork and meditation intervention can improve the mental and physical well-being for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. All participants will be trained in using Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) Breath and Meditation. The 3 main questions researchers would like to answer are:
I am hoping there are a few Twitchy Woman followers from Florida who may be able to join and benefit this study. Below are the 3 locations and contact info.
1. Can SKY Breath practice be designed to meet the specific needs of PWP and their care partners?
2. Will the SKY breath practice decrease stress levels in order to improve overall wellbeing of PWP and their care partners? This will be measured through surveys.
3. Will the SKY Breath practice alleviate some of the emotional stress and physical burden felt by care partners?
After being trained in SKY, participants will practice daily at home, along with 2 instructor lead sessions each week, one on-line and one in-person for 8 weeks.
Raw Kickboxing and Fitness in Coral Springs Contacts: Mark Barker 954-575-6000 Allie Barker 954-309-7814
Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale Contacts: Rania Massad, BA, DPT 305-505-5465 rania@nova.edu Venetia Bennett, BA, MS, PhD 954-263-6535 vb64@nova.edu
David Posnack Jewish Community Center in Davie Contacts: Scott Erlich, MA 954-420-6197 ext. 1215 serlich@dpjcc.org Bonnie Rayman, MEd 954-420-6197 ext 1211 brayman@dpjcc.org
If you need assistance, you may email Jen Heath at jenheathbar@gmail.com.
I would be happy to assist you.
You must be logged in to post a comment.