Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

Young Onset Parkinson's Disease: Subtypes and Mechanisms

Official title: Young Onset Parkinson's Disease Subtypes and Pathogenic Mechanisms

Run by NYU Langone Health · NCT07752355 · Data updated 2026-11-12

Researchers are testing whether distinct biological traits and markers exist in people whose Parkinson's starts before age 50, to help understand the disease and improve future trials.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment250 (estimated)
SponsorNYU Langone Health
Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 28, 2024
Main results expectedOctober 31, 2028
Study endsOctober 31, 2028
Registry record updatedAugust 12, 2026
Trial IDNCT07752355 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults aged 18 and older, with young-onset PD (onset ≤50) or late-onset PD (onset >50), plus healthy controls, who consent to skin biopsy (and lumbar puncture for a subset).

Probably not a fit

Participants with atypical parkinsonism or autoimmune/chronic inflammatory histories may not derive direct benefit from this observational study.

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

What this trial studies

This observational study compares clinical features and biological data from blood, skin biopsies, and, for some participants, lumbar puncture samples among young-onset Parkinson's disease patients, late-onset patients, and healthy controls. Participants provide demographic and clinical information through questionnaires and exams, and give biological samples to identify potential biomarkers and pathogenic pathways. The study includes a single in-person visit per participant at NYU Langone Health, with additional lumbar puncture data for a subset. Findings may inform disease mechanisms and aid in stratifying patients for future therapeutic trials.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the study could help identify biomarkers and subtypes of Parkinson's that are specific to younger patients, potentially guiding personalized approaches in future therapies.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has explored biomarkers in PD, including subtypes, but this study is specifically focused on young-onset PD and may provide novel insights.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

YOPD cohort:

1. Male or female 18 years or older (inclusive) of any race and ethnicity
2. Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) confirmed by a movement disorder specialist and with an age of onset of less than or equal to the age of 50 years old
3. Willingness to undergo a skin punch biopsy

LOPD cohort:

1. Male or female 18 years or older (inclusive) of any race and ethnicity
2. Diagnosis of PD confirmed by a movement disorder specialist and with an age of onset after the age of 50 years

Healthy Control cohort:

1. Male or female 18 years or older (inclusive) of any race and ethnicity
2. Never been diagnosed with PD as reported by medical history and as assessed by study PI

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of atypical parkinsonism (i.e. progressive supranuclear palsy, corticobasal degeneration, multiple system atrophy) or secondary parkinsonism (i.e. normal pressure hydrocephalus, drug-induced parkinsonism).
2. Clinical history of autoimmune or chronic inflammatory disorder or exposure to chronic immunosuppressant or immunomodulatory medications.
3. Pregnancy
4. Dermatological conditions that would prevent performing skin punch biopsies

Where it's running

  • NYU Langone Health
    New York, New York, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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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.