ASPro-PD Ambroxol Trial

The ASPro-PD Phase III Ambroxol trial is currently exploring whether the drug Ambroxol can slow the progression of Parkinson’s Disease.

Ambroxol is an already licensed medicine in many European countries which is used to relieve mucus production in coughs and inflammation in sore throats. 

The trial will involve 330 people with Parkinson’s Disease across approximately 12 clinical centres in the UK. The trial is placebo controlled, meaning half of the participants will receive Ambroxol and half will receive a placebo 'dummy' drug for two years.

All participants in the trial will need to undergo genetic sequencing with PD Frontline before enrolment. Once they have received their genetic results, they may then be eligible for the trial. 

EJS ACT-PD Trial

The Edmund J Safra Accelerating Clinical Trials in Parkinson’s Disease (EJS ACT-PD) project is comprised of over 90 members across the UK who are aiming to improve clinical trials in Parkinson’s Disease.

The members include people with Parkinson’s Disease and care partners so that the project has patient interest in mind.

They are designing a Multi-Arm Multi-Stage (MAMS) trial to find treatments that slow or stop disease progression.

The trial will test several different treatments at once, which are assessed at early interims to see whether or not they are effective. They then decide whether to take these treatments further through the rest of the stages of the trial.

Treatments that don’t show promise are removed and replaced with other potential treatments, meaning the trial process is more efficient.

Study: Using an app to manage non-motor symptoms

Although Parkinson’s is often associated with motor symptoms, non-motor symptoms like pain, sleep issues, and low mood can appear earlier and significantly affect quality of life.

To help patients manage these, researchers at Newcastle University have developed a mobile/tablet app that tracks symptoms and offers self-management advice. 

Seeking to recruit 30 people with Parkinson’s and their supporters who have a smartphone or tablet to try the app. Over six months, participants can track symptoms at their own pace, complete brief monthly surveys, and have check-ins with the research team online or by phone after 3 and 6 months. Some  participants may be invited to take part in short interviews to share their experiences.

Study: Supporting people with Parkinson’s prognosis and care planning

Researchers are exploring how Parkinson’s prognosis is communicated and what support would be helpful. They are seeking the experiences of people with Parkinson’s, their supporters, bereaved supporters, and healthcare professionals. People with Parkinson’s and supporters can take part in a 2-hour focus group, in person (Aberdeen or Bristol) or online, or a 1-hour one-to-one interview at home or online. Healthcare professionals will join a 2-hour online focus group.

Travel expenses will be reimbursed and participants also receive a gift voucher.