Currently Enrolling Research Studies
The MUSC Movement Disorders Program is actively recruiting participants for a variety of clinical research studies designed to better understand Parkinson’s disease and related conditions, slow disease progression, explore genetic risk factors, and test new treatments and diagnostic tools. Below you’ll find current and upcoming studies, including eligibility details, study duration, and who to contact if you’re interested in participating. Whether you have Parkinson’s disease, are at risk, or are a healthy volunteer in an underrepresented group, your involvement can help advance future care.
Currently Enrolling Research Studies
1. Neuroprotection – studies aimed at slowing the long-term progression of PD
Study Name: NEU-411 – Neulark.com
Principal Investigator: Dr. Christine Cooper
Description:
Slowing PD progression in newly diagnosed PD (patients NOT on medication for PD)
- A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of NEU-411 in Companion Diagnostic-Positive Participants with Early Parkinson’s Disease
- Male and female patients diagnosed with PD within the last 2 years AND not on any PD medication – 40-80 years old
- To qualify for the study, you must get genetic testing through a third-party lab (Sano)
- Participation lasts about 67 weeks
2. Genetics – studies aimed at learning more about risk factors and pathways contributing to PD
Study Name: BLAAC PD
Principal Investigator: Dr. Vanessa Hinson
Description:
Identifying genetic risk genes in patients with PD in Black and African Americans.
A study to help understand genetic information about Parkinson’s Disease in Black and African Americans.
- Males or females over 18 years of age who identify as Black or African American
- Recruiting both people WITH PD and WITHOUT PD (or any other neurological condition), 1 visit with a blood draw.
- Participants will not receive genetic results due to the exploratory nature of this study, so people with PD are encouraged to also do the PD Gene test to receive genetic results for any known genes associated with PD
Study Name: PD Gene
Principal Investigator: Dr. Gonzalo Revuelta
Description:
Identifying genetic risk genes in patients with PD
- Parkinson’s Foundation genetic registry
- Please contact Maysen Mesaros (mesaros@musc.edu) if interested
- Saliva sample is sent in for genetic testing and is banked in the Parkinson’s Foundation Genetic Registry
- Genetic counseling provided
Upcoming Research Studies
Neuroprotection
Biohaven – This research study is being done to see the effectiveness and safety of a new drug called “BHV-8000” to delay the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD) for adults living with early PD. Subjects will be 40 to 85 diagnosed with early PD who are not treated with any PD therapy. Participation will last about 60 weeks.
Symptomatic – studies aimed at new treatments for the symptoms of PD
Bluerock – A study to assess the efficacy and safety of Midbrain Dopaminergic Neuronal Cell therapy (Bemdaneprocel) for Participants with PD. Approximately 102 participants nationwide, of whom at least 45 to 75 years of age at informed consent, are planned to be randomized with approximately 68 participants to receive bemdaneprocel and approximately 34 participants to receive sham surgery. Subjects will have to travel to another site for the surgery. The study duration will be 5-8 years.
Cerevance – This is a study of oral “CVN424” at two dose levels in PD patients with motor fluctuations (wearing off of PD medications). Participation will last about 14 weeks.
RBD – Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep Behavior Disorder
Prisms – This study aims to assess the ability of “adalimumab” as compared to placebo to reduce or prevent progression of synuclein-related neurodegeneration in persons with RBD. Subjects will be 50-80 years of age with a diagnosis of RBD. The total length of a subject’s participation in this study will be up to 114 weeks.
New Diagnostics
Syn-Q – This study aims to study the natural progression of P-SYN quantification by conducting skin biopsies in patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD). Participation will be over an 18-month period and will include skin biopsies and clinical examinations every six months. Subjects will be male or female between the ages of 50-100 and have a diagnosis of PD or RBD.
Essential Tremor, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Multiple System Atrophy, Huntington’s Disease
All studies are currently closed to enrollment. Future studies for new treatments are planned for late 2025. Please contact MovementResearch@musc.edu if interested in being added to our research database.
Contact:
All studies: MovementResearch@musc.edu
Sandra Wilson, Research Coordinator, wilsosan@musc.edu, (843) 792-4616