Chief Investigator: Professor Anthony Schapira, UCL, London
Recruiting Sites: Recruiting sites are situated all across the UK
Timeframe: Scheduled study end is January 2026
UK Recruitment Target: 10000
Link to further information: PD-Frontline
Presentation on trial update February 2025
Previous Presentations:
Study Goal: Parkinson’s research is at an exciting juncture where for the first time, drugs that protect against or slow down the progression of Parkinson's is a real possibility. Many of these drugs will target specific genes which we know influence the risk of developing Parkinson's, such as GBA and LRRK2 which are the most common. Therefore, it is important to identify (genotype) as many individuals who do and do not carry changes in these genes.
PD Frontline will play a vital role in connecting eligible participants to clinical trials and studies, acting as a registry for genotyped individuals.
What's Involved: This study is completed online and by post, so participants don't need to visit a hospital. Participants give online consent via the PD Frontline website and complete a 10 minute questionnaire. Participants are then sent a saliva collection kit to provide a sample for genetic testing and post it back in a prepaid envelope. Participants receive the results of the genetic test. With the participants’ permission, their doctors also receive the results of the genetic test. Researchers are on hand to answer any questions participants may have throughout the study.
Who can Take Part?
People who:
Have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s
Live in the UK
Do not already know whether they carry the GBA gene
Do not have a diagnosis of Dementia, Parkinsonism or MND.
Those who already know if they carry a GBA gene can register for the RAPSODI study. Visit this link for further information about the RAPSODI study.
To discuss becoming a participating site, contact: pdfrontline@ucl.ac.uk or our coordinator Emma Fargher md4efa@sheffield.ac.uk
To take part in the study from home, register via this link: PD-Frontline