[jeanb]

This thread is the next step from Debi Brooks' "looking for input" thread.

The Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) study will be looking for 400 de novo PD patients (newly dx'd, not on meds yet) across the US & Europe.

I know there are many people who visit this forum, whether they post or not. Maybe they are de novo, or maybe they know someone who is. I hope they will read about this upcoming study and seriously consider joining it, or passing on this information.

"Sponsored by MJFF, PPMI will be made possible through a consortium of partners who are actively being assembled now.

In keeping with the Foundation’s overarching commitment to collaboration and data sharing, all (de-identified) data will be made widely available to the research community throughout the course of the study through a Web portal. Additionally, the biological samples collected through PPMI will be banked for future studies.

Concluded Michael J. Fox: “This is an ambitious undertaking, no doubt. But nothing worth having comes easily. Everything we’ve learned up to now, the partnerships we’ve worked to forge, the results of research we’ve funded — it’s all put us in position to launch this effort. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and, hopefully, get this done.”"

You can read about the study here, and listen to a podcast by Dave Iverson & Dr. Ken Marek. Info about PPMI on the MJFF website

Every treatment that we use today has come as a result of clinical trial participation by PWP. Many of us who post on this forum have participated in clinical trials. This upcoming trial will be a unique opportunity for newly diagnosed patients to contribute in a big way to finding the cure. I hope you will consider participating.