The Unmet Needs of People with Parkinson’s Disease and How They Relate to Current Late-Stage Clinical Trials

Objective To identify the symptoms and unmet needs of people with Parkinson’s Disease and characterize Phase 2-3 and Phase 3 clinical trials. Methods We surveyed people with Parkinson’s Disease to determine their symptoms, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, side effects, and insufficiently managed or unmanaged symptoms, and wishes for Parkinson’s Disease research. We identified clinical trials through clinicaltrials.gov. Results Twenty-eight people with Parkinson’s Disease completed the study (22 survey, six interview), and 38 clinical trials were characterized. The majority of participants’ desires for clinical development and outcomes of clinical trials characterized targeted motor symptoms. Conclusions Despite numerous therapeutics available, motor symptoms continue to be a top priority for people with Parkinson’s Disease and focus for drug development. All relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, all necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained, all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms archived.