Dundee has just launched one of the world’s first major Parkinson’s disease clinical trials
- Andrew Batchelor
- 13 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Dundee has received international recognition after becoming one of the first places in the world to launch a major phase 3 clinical trial for a potential new treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
The trial is investigating whether a new therapy could slow the progression of the condition, which affects millions of people globally.
The study, known as PARAISO, is testing a monoclonal antibody designed to target abnormal protein clumps in the brain that are linked to Parkinson’s disease.
Researchers hope the treatment could help change how the disease develops, rather than only managing symptoms.
Around 900 people will take part in the study across approximately 250 sites worldwide. The treatment being tested is not yet approved for use, and the trial will carefully compare its safety and effectiveness against a placebo in people already taking standard Parkinson’s medication.
Dundee became the second site in the world to be activated for the study and the first in the UK and Europe.
The work was made possible through the Tayside Medical Science Centre, a partnership between the University of Dundee and NHS Tayside, showing the city’s strong reputation for medical research.
Within days of opening, the Dundee team saw its first participant and went on to become the first site in the UK and Europe to successfully enrol someone in the study.
Global pharmaceutical company Roche praised the Dundee team, calling the achievement a huge success and highlighting their teamwork and commitment.
The study is led in Dundee by Dr Esther Sammler, a clinician scientist and consultant neurologist at NHS Tayside, supported by a large team working across both clinical care and research.
Dr Sammler said it was important that people in Dundee and Tayside can take part in cutting-edge research close to home.
She added that progress towards better treatments is only possible thanks to those who volunteer for studies and the staff who support them.
Recruitment and screening for the PARAISO study will continue in Dundee over the coming months, building on promising results from earlier research and further strengthening the city’s role in global Parkinson’s disease research.
