Clinical Trials in Movement Disorders

Your participation will allow you to have firsthand experience with developing new medical treatments that may be beneficial to others. Current treatment methods for neurologic disorders are only available because of volunteer participants in clinical trials. Clinical trial information is excerpted from www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Efficacy, Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacodynamics, and Pharmacokinetics of BIA 28-6156 in GBA-PD (ACTIVATE) (IRB00378890)

  • Objective: The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study is to assess the efficacy of BIA 28-6156 over placebo in delaying clinical meaningful motor progression over 78 weeks in subjects with Parkinson's Disease who have a pathogenic variant in the glucocerebrosidase 1 (GBA1) gene (GBA-PD). 
  • P.I.: Emile Moukheiber, M.D.
  • Contact: Kori Ribb, [email protected]
  • Learn more on clinicaltrials.gov

Longitudinal Biomarkers of Individuals with Atypical Parkinsonism (IRB00062534)

  • Eligibility: Individuals w/ dx of MSA, PSP, CBS or DLB; able to complete annual follow-up visits for 5+ years
  • P.I.: Alex Pantelyat, M.D.
  • Contact: Vanessa Johnson, 410-616-2815

Brain Donation Program (NA_00032761)

  • Objective: Examine the pathological changes in the brain tissue of individuals diagnosed with PD or related disorders as compared to controls
  • Eligibility: Individuals diagnosed with PD or atypical PD and those without a neurological diagnosis
  • P.I.: Liana Rosenthal, M.D.
  • Contact: Catherine Bakker, 410-616-2814

Multimodal MRI in PSP (IRB00062534)

  • Eligibility: Individuals diagnosed w/ PSP (PSP-RS, PSP-SL, PSPCBS) or PPA; willingness/ability to complete MRI and lumbar puncture
  • P.I.: Alex Pantelyat, M.D.
  • Contact: Colin McGregor, 410-616-2816

Biomarker Discovery and Validation in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (DIVA-PSP) (IRB00173663)

  • Objective: The goal of this project is to identify biomarkers in blood, urine and CSF that can help us develop a clinical test for PSP.
  • Eligibility: Individuals over the age of 40 years old with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease (PD), Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), or healthy controls may take part. The study also requires a study partner or caregiver to participate.
  • P.I.: Alex Pantelyat, M.D.
  • Contact: AJ Hall, [email protected]

Dystonia Coalition (NA_00074297)

  • Objective: Create an international repository to learn more about dystonia, treatment methods and patient response
  • Eligibility: Over the age of 18 who have primary dystonia
  • P.I.: Alex Pantelyat, M.D.
  • Contact: Kori Ribb, [email protected]

PET Study for individuals with REM Sleep Behavioral Disorder, PD and Healthy Controls (IRB00237032)

  • Objective: A PET scan study to determine if there is inflammation in the brain of people with early Parkinson's.
  • Eligibility: Age 50-80 and healthy controls.
  • P.I.: Kelly Mills, M.D.
  • Contact: Seneca Motley, [email protected]

The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) 2.0 (NCT04477785)

  • Objective: The overall goal ofPPMI 2.0 is to identify markers of disease progression for use in clinical trials of therapies to reduce progression of PD disability. Including healthy controls
  • P.I.: Emile Moukheiber, M.D.
  • Contact: Kori Ribb, 410-614-2216

Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of Using a Music-based, Rhythm-Modulating Wearable Sensor System in the Community in Persons with Parkinson’s Disease (MedRhythms Study) (NCT04891107)

  • Objective: The purpose of this clinical study is to evaluate the effects of music, tailored to the participant's cadence, on adherence, quality of life, gait speed, functional mobility, and walking activity in individuals with Parkinson disease when used in the home and community environment.
  • P.I.: Alex Pantelyat, M.D.
  • Contact: Colin McGregor, 410-616-2816

Molecular Imaging of Depression in Aging and Parkinson’s Disease (Controls and Patients with Parkinson’s Disease and Depression) (IRB00068329)

  • Objective: Are you over 60 and feeling depressed? Symptoms of depression in older adults are common yet often go undetected. Symptoms could include feelings of sadness or hopelessness, loss of energy, inability to enjoy pleasurable activities, changes in appetite or sleeping patterns, or poor concentration/memory. If you are feeling depressed, not taking antidepressant medication and in good physical health you may be eligible to participate in a research study involving treatment. Qualified people will participate at no cost to them and will be compensated for their time and transportation
  • P.I.: Gwenn Smith, Ph.D.
  • Contact: 410-550-4192

Visual Hallucinations and Memory Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease: the Role of Hippocampal Networks(IRB00242772)

  • Objective: The goal of this project is to assess the role of hippocampal networks in memory impairment and hallucinations in PD and determine whether hippocampal network dysfunction predicts greater cognitive and functional decline longitudinally.
  • P.I.: Arnold Bakker, Ph.D., M.A., and Gregory Pontone, M.D.
  • Contact: 410-502-4797 or [email protected]

Quantitative At-Home Assessment of Motor and Cognitive Function in PSP (The PSP Wearables Study) (IRB266462)

  • Objective: The purpose of this project is to assess the feasibility of developing and using remote assessment tools like wearable digital sensors and a tablet, to monitor the symptom progression and motor function of individuals with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Parkinson’s Disease (PD) while at home over time.
  • Eligibility: Individuals between 18 and 89 years old with a diagnosis of PSP or PD who are able to walk 10 feet unassisted may take part. The study also requires a study partner or caregiver to assist with study related procedures.
  • P.I.: Alex Pantelyat, M.D.
  • Contact: AJ Hall, [email protected]

Parkinson's and Movement Disorder Digest

Twice a year, you'll receive trusted information from the experts at the Johns Hopkins Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center delivered right to your inbox.