Take part in a study aiming to slow the progression of Parkinson’s

Scientists are testing a new drug in the hope that it could slow down the condition

Researchers are looking for people with early stage Parkinson’s to take part in a global research study evaluating whether an new medication can slow the progression of Parkinson’s over time.

Sponsored by biopharma company UCB, the Orchestra Study is a Phase II trial investigating the effects, safety and tolerability of a compound currently known as UCB0599.

The researchers need people who*:

1. Are aged 40-75 years;
2. Have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the past two years and experience slowness of movement and either muscle stiffness/rigidity or tremor/shaking;
3. Live in the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Poland, the USA or Canada;
4. Have not taken any known Parkinson’s medications (such as L-dopa, Dopamine Agonists, Monoamine Oxidase-B Inhibitors etc) and are not expected to need to start taking any Parkinson’s medications in the next six months.

*There are additional criteria which the study team will assess and discuss with potential participants.

What happens during the research?

• Active participation in the research will last 21 months.
• Before any research activities take place fully informed consent will be gained.
• Participants will be randomly assigned to either the placebo or study drug group.
• At trial visits, various medical assessments will be performed such as brain scans, as well as filling in questionnaires about your symptoms and quality of life.
• Participants will have the option to wear a Verily Study Watch (provided) which captures data on movement, sleep, pulse rate and more.
• Reasonable expenses for study-connected travel and overnight hotel stays will be available.
• The study will be conducted according to the latest COVID-19 guidelines to maximise participants' safety. 

To find out more about the study and to see if you are eligible to take part, visit the Orchestra Research Study Trial website. Taking part in research is entirely voluntary and participants may leave the study at any time.

As well as contributing to Parkinson’s research, taking part will give you access to healthcare professionals who can help you gain more knowledge about your condition.

Further reading:

• Find out more about taking part in clinical trials

How do you feel about taking part in clinical trials? Email [email protected] and tell us your thoughts. 

Parkinson's Europe is sharing this article for information purposes only; it does not represent Parkinson's Europe's views and is not an endorsement by Parkinson's Europe of any particular treatments, therapies or products.