Our approach to research

We are shaping Parkinson’s research by delivering pre-clinical science and clinical trials that have the potential to provide drugs and other treatments with the potential to slow, stop or reverse Parkinson’s progression.

We’re here for the cure. Everything we do is to move us closer to that goal. By “cure”, we mean disease-modifying therapies. Cure Parkinson’s funds research that aims to slow, stop or reverse underlying disease progression; we don’t fund research directed only to symptomatic relief.

Clinically, we are focused on repurposing or repositioning existing drugs, the acceleration of new pharmacological agents, and the development of regenerative therapies. Pre-clinically, we prioritise research that is likely to lead to clinical trials in people with Parkinson’s within five years. Clinically, we are focused on trials involving people with Parkinson’s.

Through our leading International Linked Clinical Trials (iLCT) programme, in collaboration with Van Andel Institute (VAI), we are screening and prioritising therapies to be clinically tested in order to bring new treatments to the clinic as soon as possible for the Parkinson’s community. Since it’s initiation in 2012, over 170 drugs have been reviewed by this committee, and clinical trials investigating iLCT-evaluated agents have involved over 4700 people with Parkinson’s globally.

Our independent research committee interrogates all new research applications and reviews all funded project reports. This ensures research is scientifically robust, progressing effectively and that results are disseminated rapidly. We encourage collaboration between scientists, patients, and funders, fostering these relationships to accelerate progress to ultimately benefit people living with Parkinson’s.