New Treatments & Clinical Trials for Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease affects around one million Americans, causing tremor, stiffness, and slow movement as dopamine-producing brain cells die off. Current medications replace dopamine or mimic its effects, which helps symptoms but doesn't slow the underlying loss of neurons. Deep brain stimulation can reduce tremor and dyskinesia when medications lose effectiveness.

What's actually going on in research

Trials are testing drugs that might slow or stop neuron loss, including GLP-1 receptor agonists like exenatide, alpha-synuclein antibodies targeting the protein that clumps in Parkinson's, and genetic therapies for people with specific mutations. Researchers are also studying new delivery methods for levodopa, better deep brain stimulation techniques, and treatments for non-motor symptoms like cognitive decline and sleep disorders.

What to know before you search

Eligibility typically depends on how long you've had Parkinson's, current medications, whether you have a genetic mutation, and scores on movement and cognition tests.

What types of trials are currently open

• Disease-modifying trials — Testing drugs that might slow neuron loss, usually in people with early Parkinson's. These trials last one to three years and track motor symptoms and brain imaging.
• Symptomatic trials — Testing new formulations of levodopa, dopamine agonists, or other drugs to control tremor, stiffness, and dyskinesia better than current medications.
• Device trials — Studies of deep brain stimulation, focused ultrasound, or wearable devices that deliver medication or track symptoms continuously.
• Non-motor trials — Testing treatments for cognitive problems, depression, constipation, sleep disorders, and other symptoms not helped by dopamine replacement.
• Genetic studies — Following people with Parkinson's-linked genetic mutations to understand disease progression and test targeted therapies.