PDtrials Bulletin - March 2008 - In This Issue

• New Clinical Trials
  
• Solvay's Duodopa Intestinal Gel Gets FDA Fast Track Status for Parkinson's
  
• First Early-Detection Blood Test For Parkinson's Shows Promise
  
• The University of Rochester Medical Center Evaluating New Device for Parkinson's
  
• Loss of Smell Can Signal Parkinson's
  
• Manufacturer of the Parkinson's Patch Announces Recall of US Batches
  
• Gene Linked to Form of Parkinson's Disease
  
• CISCRP hosts AWARE for All Workshops to Advance Clinical Research Education in Philadelphia on April 12th
  
• 14th Annual Parkinson's Unity Walk Scheduled for April 26, 2008
  
• Tell Us Your Story
  
• Help Inform Others About Clinical Trials!

New Clinical Trials


Study of Diagnostic Tool for Parkinsonian and Non-Parkinsonian Tremor - Altropane is a diagnostic molecular imaging agent being developed to aid in the differentiation of parkinsonian syndromes from non-parkinsonian tremor. This study is enrolling up to ninety people with upper extremity tremor for less than two years duration. Of these, at least 30 Parkinsonian syndromes participants and at least 30 non-Parkinsonian syndromes participants will be enrolled. Learn more

Safety and Efficacy Study of Fipamezole in Treatment of Motor Dysfunctions in Parkinson's Disease (FJORD) - Symptoms of PD include sudden uncontrollable, often jerky or writhing movements (dyskinesia). There is also quite often shortening of the therapeutic effect of levodopa on PD symptoms. The purpose of this study, named FJORD, is specifically to investigate fipamezole's capacity in reducing dyskinetic movements and to extend the anti-parkinsonian action of levodopa. Learn more


View All Clinical Trials


Solvay's Duodopa Intestinal Gel Gets FDA Fast Track Status for Parkinson's

Solvay said the US Food and Drug Administration has granted fast track designation for Duodopa, the levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel it is developing for the long-term treatment of motor fluctuations associated with advanced PD. Fast track is a process designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of drugs that treat serious diseases and fill an unmet medical need. The drug is currently in a Phase III worldwide study and Solvay will enroll patients in pivotal studies in the US and Germany this summer, it said.


First Early-Detection Blood Test For Parkinson's Shows Promise

A test that profiles molecular biomarkers in blood could become the first accurate diagnostic test for PD, new research shows. The screen relies on changes in dozens of small molecules in serum. These "metabolomic" alterations form a unique pattern in people with Parkinson's, according to a team led by researchers at the Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City.

The University of Rochester Medical Center Evaluating New Device for Parkinson's

The University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) is one of a handful of sites nationwide testing a new device for patients with PD and essential tremor, a neurological movement disorder. The study will help determine whether a new Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) technology is effective in providing relief for patients who are unable to adequately control symptoms of their disease with medication. URMC is one of 12 locations nationwide participating in the study of the new Libra DBS system.

Loss of Smell Can Signal Parkinson's

Sense of smell is something we take for granted. But new research shows that losing your ability to smell could be a sign of a serious illness. The research suggests that losing your sense of smell could signal an increased risk for PD. Researchers from Hawaii studied more than 2,200 men who'd been given an odor identification test. In the test, participants had to smell different scents such as lemon, natural gas, and soap and be able to properly identify them. Results showed that people who performed worst on the test were 5 times more likely to develop PD than those who had the best scores.

Manufacturer of the Parkinson's Patch Announces Recall of US Batches

UCB Inc., the company that manufactures rotigotine (Neupro(R)), the transdermal patch treatment that is used to ease the symptoms of PD in its early stages, has announced a recall of all Neupro batches in the United States and some areas of Europe. The company has assured the public that the recall has been made not because of concern about contamination or toxicity, but because of a deviation from approved product standards that has apparently reduced the effectiveness of the treatment.

Gene Linked to Form of Parkinson's Disease

Mutations in a gene called GIGYF2 may be directly linked to the development of PD in families with a history of the neurodegenerative condition, U.S. researchers report. "These findings may ultimately help open the door to the development of new therapeutic -- and possibly even preventive -- strategies that target the underlying cause of PD, improving quality of life of the many people worldwide who are affected by this devastating disorder," senior author Dr. Robert J. Smith, professor of medicine at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, said in a prepared statement.

CISCRP hosts AWARE for All Workshops to Advance Clinical Research Education in Philadelphia on April 12th

The Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP) will host their 2008 Annual Workshops to Advance Clinical Research Education on April 12th in Philadelphia. Educational programs include informational workshops with top doctors and researchers, thank you receptions for local clinical research participants, health screenings, and additional resources. AWARE for All workshops are held several times a year in metropolitan areas around the U.S. and are free and open to the public.

14th Annual Parkinson's Unity Walk Scheduled for April 26, 2008

On April 26, 2008, the PD community will once again assemble in New York's Central Park for the Parkinson's Unity Walk (PUW). In 2007, the two-mile walk had a record 10,000 participants and raised over $1.7 million. The 2008 walk proceeds, as in past years, will support research programs at several national Parkinson's organizations, including the Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF). The walk serves as an inspirational event, bringing together families and friends affected by PD.

Tell Us Your Story

At times, we receive correspondence from people living with Parkinson's about their clinical trial experience. If you have participated in a trial that you found through PDtrials we'd love to hear from you. Sharing your experience provides us with insight that only you can offer and helps ensure that PDtrials.org is a valuable resource to the PD community. Please email us at info@pdtrials.org to tell your story.

Help Inform Others About Clinical Trials!

Do you find the information in this email bulletin and on PDtrials.org to be a helpful resource? If so, won't you take a moment and send this email bulletin to others?

Just click on the "Send" button located on the top left of this page and enter the email addresses of friends, family, support group members, and others who you think would like to learn more about clinical studies.