Clinical trial Recruiting at 50 sites Observational Ages 30 and up

Long-term observation of Parkinson's disease progression and biomarkers

Official title: The Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) Clinical - Establishing a Deeply Phenotyped PD Cohort

Run by Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research · NCT04477785 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is trying to track how Parkinson's disease changes over time in people with the condition, those at risk, and healthy individuals to find signs that can help in future treatments.

More Parkinson Disease trials

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages30 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment4500 (estimated)
SponsorMichael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
Academic / other
Locations50 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 49 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 1, 2020
Main results expectedDecember 2033
Study endsDecember 2033
Registry record updatedJuly 27, 2026
Trial IDNCT04477785 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include individuals aged 57 and older, both with Parkinson's disease and healthy controls.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are younger than 57 or those with advanced Parkinson's disease may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The Parkinson Progression Marker Initiative (PPMI) is a longitudinal, observational study designed to track the progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) through clinical features, digital outcomes, and various biomarkers. Participants include individuals with manifest PD, those in the prodromal stage, and healthy controls. The study aims to identify reliable markers of disease progression that can be utilized in future clinical trials aimed at reducing PD-related disability. Participants may also be involved in additional PPMI initiatives as they develop.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to the identification of biomarkers that help in monitoring and potentially slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies focusing on biomarkers and progression in neurodegenerative diseases have shown promise, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
7.1 Healthy Controls (HC) Note: Active Healthy controls previously enrolled in PPMI do not require re-assessment of eligibility criteria listed below for enrollment in PPMI Clinical. Active participants do need to be able to provide informed consent for PPMI Clinical participation (includes use of a designated research proxy).

7.1.1 Inclusion Criteria (HC)

1. Male or female age 57 years or older at Screening visit.
2. Individuals taking any of the following drugs: alpha methyldopa, methylphenidate, amphetamine derivatives or modafinil, must be willing and medically able to hold the medication for at least 5 half-lives before SPECT imaging.
3. Confirmation that participant is eligible based on Screening SPECT imaging.
4. Able to provide informed consent.
5. Either is male, or is female and meets additional criteria below, as applicable:

   * Female of childbearing potential who is not pregnant, lactating, or planning pregnancy during the study and has a negative pregnancy test on day of Screening SPECT imaging test prior to injection of DaTscanTM.

7.1.2 Exclusion Criteria (HC)

1. First degree relative with PD (i.e., biologic parent, sibling, child).
2. Current or active clinically significant neurological disorder (in the opinion of the Investigator).
3. Previously obtained MRI scan with evidence of clinically significant neurological disorder (in the opinion of the Investigator).
4. Received any of the following drugs: dopamine receptor blockers (neuroleptics), metoclopramide and reserpine within 6 months of Screening visit.
5. Current treatment with anticoagulants (e.g., coumadin, heparin, oral thrombin inhibitors) that might preclude safe completion of the lumbar puncture.
6. Condition that precludes the safe performance of routine lumbar puncture, such as prohibitive lumbar spinal disease, bleeding diathesis, or clinically significant coagulopathy or thrombocytopenia.
7. Any other medical or psychiatric condition or lab abnormality, which in the opinion of the investigator might preclude participation.
8. Any other reason that, in the opinion of the investigator, would render the participant unsuitable for study enrollment.

7.2 Parkinson's Disease (PD) Note: Active PD participants previously enrolled in PPMI do not require re-assessment of eligibility criteria listed below for enrollment in PPMI Clinical. Active participants do need to be able to provide informed consent for PPMI Clinical participation (includes use of a designated research proxy).

7.2.1 Inclusion Criteria (PD)

1. Male or female age 30 years or older at Screening Visit.
2. A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease for 2 years or less at Screening Visit.
3. Not expected to require PD medication within at least 6 months from Baseline.
4. Patients must have at least two of the following: resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity (must have either resting tremor or bradykinesia); OR either asymmetric resting tremor or asymmetric bradykinesia.
5. Hoehn and Yahr stage I or II at Baseline.
6. Individuals taking any of the following drugs: alpha methyldopa, methylphenidate, amphetamine derivatives or modafinil, must be willing and medically able to hold the medication for at least 5 half-lives before SPECT imaging.
7. Confirmation that participant is eligible based on Screening SPECT imaging.
8. Able to provide informed consent.
9. Either is male, or is female and meets additional criteria below, as applicable:

   * Female of childbearing potential who is not pregnant, lactating, or planning pregnancy during the study and has a negative pregnancy test on day of Screening SPECT imaging test prior to injection of DaTscanTM.

7.2.2 Exclusion Criteria (PD)

1. Currently taking levodopa, dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, amantadine or another PD medication, except for low-dose treatment of restless leg syndrome (with permission of medical monitor).
2. Has taken levodopa, dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors or amantadine within 60 days of Baseline visit.
3. Has taken levodopa or dopamine agonists prior to Baseline visit for more than a total of 90 days.
4. Atypical PD syndromes due to either drugs (e.g., metoclopramide, flunarizine, neuroleptics) or metabolic disorders (e.g., Wilson's disease), encephalitis, or degenerative diseases (e.g., progressive supranuclear palsy).
5. A clinical diagnosis of dementia as determined by the investigator.
6. Previously obtained MRI scan with evidence of clinically significant neurological disorder (in the opinion of the Investigator).
7. Received any of the following drugs: dopamine receptor blockers (neuroleptics), metoclopramide and reserpine within 6 months of Screening visit.
8. Current treatment with anticoagulants (e.g., coumadin, heparin, oral thrombin inhibitors) that might preclude safe completion of the lumbar puncture.
9. Condition that precludes the safe performance of routine lumbar puncture, such as prohibitive lumbar spinal disease, bleeding diathesis, or clinically significant coagulopathy or thrombocytopenia.
10. Any other medical or psychiatric condition or lab abnormality, which in the opinion of the investigator might preclude participation.
11. Any other reason that, in the opinion of the investigator, would render the participant unsuitable for study enrollment.

7.3 Parkinson's Disease (PD) with LRRK2 or GBA variant Note: Active PD participants previously enrolled in PPMI do not require re-assessment of eligibility criteria listed below for enrollment in PPMI Clinical. Active participants do need to be able to provide informed consent for PPMI Clinical participation (includes use of a designated research proxy).

7.3.1 Inclusion Criteria (PD ¬- LRRK2 or GBA)

1. Male or female age 30 years or older at Screening Visit.
2. A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease for 2 years or less at Screening Visit.
3. Patients must have at least two of the following: resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity (must have either resting tremor or bradykinesia); OR either asymmetric resting tremor or asymmetric bradykinesia.
4. Hoehn and Yahr stage I or II at Baseline.
5. Confirmation of causative LRRK2 or GBA (willingness to undergo genetic testing as part of genetic screening and be informed of genetic testing results, or approved documentation of prior genetic testing results).
6. Individuals taking any of the following drugs: alpha methyldopa, methylphenidate, amphetamine derivatives or modafinil, must be willing and medically able to hold the medication for at least 5 half-lives before SPECT imaging.
7. Confirmation that participant is eligible based on Screening SPECT imaging.
8. Able to provide informed consent.
9. Either is male, or is female and meets additional criteria below, as applicable:

   * Female of childbearing potential who is not pregnant, lactating, or planning pregnancy during the study and has a negative pregnancy test on day of Screening SPECT imaging test prior to injection of DaTscanTM.

7.3.2 Exclusion Criteria (PD - LRRK2 or GBA)

1. Received any of the following drugs: dopamine receptor blockers (neuroleptics), metoclopramide and reserpine within 6 months of Screening visit.
2. Current treatment with anticoagulants (e.g., coumadin, heparin) that might preclude safe completion of the lumbar puncture.
3. Condition that precludes the safe performance of routine lumbar puncture, such as prohibitive lumbar spinal disease, bleeding diathesis, or clinically significant coagulopathy or thrombocytopenia.
4. Any other medical or psychiatric condition or lab abnormality, which in the opinion of the investigator might preclude participation.
5. Any other reason that, in the opinion of the investigator, would render the participant unsuitable for study enrollment.

7.4 Parkinson's Disease (PD) with SNCA or rare genetic variant Note: Active PD participants previously enrolled in PPMI do not require re-assessment of eligibility criteria listed below for enrollment in PPMI clinical. Active participants do need to be able to provide informed consent for PPMI Clinical participation (includes use of a designated research proxy).

7.4.1 Inclusion Criteria (PD - SNCA or rare genetic variant (such as Parkin or Pink1))

1. Male or female age 30 years or older at Screening Visit.
2. Parkinson's disease diagnosis at Screening Visit.
3. Patients must have at least two of the following: resting tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity (must have either resting tremor or bradykinesia); OR either asymmetric resting tremor or asymmetric bradykinesia.
4. Hoehn and Yahr stage I, II, or III at Baseline.
5. Confirmation of causative SNCA or rare genetic variant (such as Parkin or Pink1) (willingness to undergo genetic testing as part of genetic screening and be informed of genetic testing results, or approved documentation of prior genetic testing results).
6. Individuals taking any of the following drugs: alpha methyldopa, methylphenidate, amphetamine derivatives or modafinil, must be willing and medically able to hold the medication for at least 5 half-lives before SPECT imaging.
7. Confirmation that participant is eligible based on Screening SPECT imaging.
8. Able to provide informed consent.
9. Either is male, or is female and meets additional criteria below, as applicable:

   * Female of childbearing potential who is not pregnant, lactating, or planning pregnancy during the study and has a negative pregnancy test on day of Screening SPECT imaging test prior to injection of DaTscanTM.

7.4.2 Exclusion Criteria (PD - SNCA or rare genetic variant (such as Parkin or Pink1))

1. Received any of the following drugs: dopamine receptor blockers (neuroleptics), metoclopramide and reserpine within 6 months of Screening visit.
2. Current treatment with anticoagulants (e.g., coumadin, heparin) that might preclude safe completion of the lumbar puncture.
3. Condition that precludes the safe performance of routine lumbar puncture, such as prohibitive lumbar spinal disease, bleeding diathesis, or clinically significant coagulopathy or thrombocytopenia.
4. Any other medical or psychiatric condition or lab abnormality, which in the opinion of the investigator might preclude participation.
5. Any other reason that, in the opinion of the investigator, would render the participant unsuitable for study enrollment.

7.5 Prodromal Note: Active Prodromal participants previously enrolled in PPMI do not require re-assessment of eligibility criteria listed below for enrollment in PPMI Clinical. Active participants do need to be able to provide informed consent for PPMI Clinical participation (includes use of a designated research proxy).

The specific predictive eligibility criteria for participants recruited through PPMI Remote to advance to PPMI Clinical will be iteratively optimized based on data collected from these studies.

7.5.1 Inclusion criteria (Prodromal)

For Screening:

1. Confirmation that participant is eligible based on centrally determined predictive criteria including the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT).

   * For participants in PPMI Remote, referral to the clinical site confirms predictive eligibility.
   * For participants identified by the clinical site, predictive criteria are based on generalized risk such as first degree biologic relative, known risk of PD including RBD, or known genetic variants associated with PD risk.

   Additionally, confirmation of UPSIT eligibility during the Screening visit prior to SPECT Imaging.
2. Male or female age 60 years or older (except age 30 years or older for SNCA, or rare genetic variants (such as Parkin or Pink1) participants).
3. Individuals taking any of the following drugs: alpha methyldopa, methylphenidate, amphetamine derivatives or modafinil, must be willing and medically able to hold the medication for at least 5 half-lives before SPECT imaging.
4. Able to provide informed consent.
5. Either is male, or is female and meets additional criteria below, as applicable:

   • Female of childbearing potential who is not pregnant, lactating, or planning pregnancy during the study and has a negative pregnancy test on day of Screening SPECT imaging test prior to injection of DaTscanTM.

   For continuation to Baseline visit and ongoing follow-up:
6. Confirmation that participant is eligible based on \*Screening SPECT imaging.

   * Screening SPECT Imaging eligibility:

Based on the results of the SPECT imaging test, Prodromal participants eligible to continue their participation in PPMI Clinical will be asked to return for their PPMI Clinical baseline visit. Neither the participant nor the site investigator will be made aware of the participant's DAT status during the study.

* It is anticipated that approximately 6,000 participants will complete a screening visit to undergo DAT imaging. Approximately 2,000 participants will be eligible to continue their participation in PPMI Clinical (those not eligible to proceed will remain in PPMI Remote, as applicable).
* All participants with DAT deficit will be eligible to continue their participation in PPMI Clinical. It is estimated that about 75% of eligible participants will have a DAT deficit (defined by a hybrid of visual assessment and quantitative striatal specific binding analysis).
* Some participants without DAT deficit will also be eligible to continue their participation in PPMI Clinical. These participants will be chosen based on DAT binding that is reduced from age expected but it not outside the normal range and/or from individuals with high-risk of PD including RBD, LRRK2, GBA, SNCA, or rare genetic variants (such as Parkin or Pink1) that do not demonstrate DAT deficit. It is estimated that about 25% of eligible participants will not have a DAT deficit.
* It is anticipated that approximately 30% of the PPMI Clinical prodromal participants with DAT deficit will phenoconvert to motor parkinsonism during a 3 to 5-year follow-up.

7.5.2 Exclusion Criteria (Prodromal)

1. Clinical diagnosis of PD at screening, other parkinsonism, or dementia.
2. Received any of the following drugs: dopamine receptor blockers (neuroleptics), metoclopramide and reserpine within 6 months of Baseline Visit.
3. Current treatment with anticoagulants (e.g. coumadin, heparin) that might preclude safe completion of the lumbar puncture.
4. Condition that precludes the safe performance of routine lumbar puncture, such as prohibitive lumbar spinal disease, bleeding diathesis, or clinically significant coagulopathy or thrombocytopenia.
5. Any other medical or psychiatric condition or lab abnormality, which in the opinion of the investigator might preclude participation.
6. Currently taking levodopa, dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, amantadine or another PD medication, except for low-dose treatment of restless leg syndrome (with permission of medical monitor).
7. Has taken levodopa, dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors or amantadine within 60 days of Baseline visit. except for low-dose treatment of restless leg syndrome (with permission of medical monitor).
8. Any other reason that, in the opinion of the investigator, would render the participant unsuitable for study enrollment.

Where it's running

  • University of Alabama at Birmingham
    Birmingham, Alabama, United States
    Recruiting
  • Barrow Neurological Institute
    Phoenix, Arizona, United States
    Recruiting
  • Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Scottsdale, Arizona, United States
    Recruiting
  • Banner Research Institute
    Sun City, Arizona, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of California San Diego
    La Jolla, California, United States
    Recruiting
  • Keck School of Medicine of USC
    Los Angeles, California, United States
    Recruiting
Show 44 more locations
  • University of California, San Francisco
    San Francisco, California, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
    Aurora, Colorado, United States
    Recruiting
  • Institute For Neurodegenerative Disorders
    New Haven, Connecticut, United States
    Recruiting
  • Parkinson's Disease& Movement Disorder Center of Boca Raton
    Boca Raton, Florida, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of Florida
    Gainesville, Florida, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of South Florida
    Tampa, Florida, United States
    Recruiting
  • Emory University School of Medicine
    Atlanta, Georgia, United States
    Recruiting
  • Northwestern University
    Chicago, Illinois, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of Kansas Medical Center
    Kansas City, Kansas, United States
    Recruiting
  • Johns Hopkins University
    Baltimore, Maryland, United States
    Recruiting
  • Boston University
    Boston, Massachusetts, United States
    Recruiting
  • Massachusetts General Hospital
    Boston, Massachusetts, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of Michigan
    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
    Recruiting
  • Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health
    Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
    Recruiting
  • Beth Israel Medical Center
    New York, New York, United States
    Recruiting
  • NYU Langone Health
    New York, New York, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of Rochester
    Rochester, New York, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of Cincinnati/Cincinnati Children's Hospital
    Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
    Recruiting
  • Cleveland Clinic
    Cleveland, Ohio, United States
    Recruiting
  • Oregon Health &Science University
    Portland, Oregon, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting
  • University of Pittsburgh
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting
  • Baylor College of Medicine
    Houston, Texas, United States
    Recruiting
  • Univ of Washington and VA Puget Sound Health Care System
    Seattle, Washington, United States
    Recruiting
  • Innsbruck Medical University
    Innsbruck, Austria
    Recruiting
  • The Ottawa Hospital - Civic Campus
    Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
    Recruiting
  • Toronto Western Hospital
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Recruiting
  • McGill University
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    Recruiting
  • Philipps-University of Marburg
    Hessen, Germany
    Recruiting
  • Paracelsus-Elena Klinik
    Kassel, Germany
    Recruiting
  • University of Luebeck
    Lübeck, Germany
    Recruiting
  • University of Tuebingen
    Tübingen, Germany
    Recruiting
  • Foundation for Biomedical Research of the Academy of Athens
    Athens, Athens, Greece
    Recruiting
  • Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center
    Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
    Recruiting
  • University of Salerno
    Salerno, Salerno, Italy
    Recruiting
  • Parkinson Research Clinic
    Luxembourg, Luxembourg
    Recruiting
  • Radboud University
    Nijmegen, Gelderland, Netherlands
    Recruiting
  • Lagos College of Medicine, University of Lagos
    Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
    Recruiting
  • Hospital Clinic de Barcelona
    Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
    Recruiting
  • Hospital Donostia
    Donostia / San Sebastian, San Sebastian, Spain
    Recruiting
  • Queen Mary University of London
    London, Britain, United Kingdom
    Recruiting
  • Newcastle University
    Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom
    Recruiting
  • Imperial College London
    London, United Kingdom
    Recruiting
  • John Radcliffe Hospital Oxford and Oxford University
    Oxford, United Kingdom
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Kenneth L Marek, MD — Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders
  • Study coordinator: Cari Rainville, BS
  • Email: crainville@indd.org
  • Phone: 877-525-7764

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.