Clinical Trials

The Duke Comprehensive Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Clinic conducts a variety of clinical trials. Leading clinical trials is an important part of our mission to continually seek out better treatments and cures for those affected by movement disorders. Trials for the following conditions are currently available. If you believe you have one of these conditions and would like to participate, click on the links below to answer brief screening questions and express your interest in participating.

Dystonia

Essential Tremor

Huntington's Disease

Multiple System Atrophy

  • Synuclein-One -This study is testing to see if small skin biopsies can effectively detect diseases. The skin biopsy test may provide an easily accessible and cost-effective diagnostic test. There is one research visit involving a skin biopsy and other examination tasks. Take this short survey to see if you are eligible to participate.

Parkinson's Disease

  • TEMPO - This trial is evaluating the effectiveness of tavapadon, a novel, once-daily dopamine agonist medication for the treatment of early Parkinson's disease. This study involves multiple visits over the course of 26 weeks. Participants are randomly assigned to receive 5 mg of tavapadon daily, 15 mg of tavapadon daily, or placebo. After the initial 26 weeks, all participants will have the option to receive tavapadon treatment. Take this short survey to see if you are eligible to participate.
  • TOPAZ - This trial is testing if a bone-strengthening drug called zoledronic acid can help prevent debilitating hip fractures in Parkinson's disease. Participation involves one in-home nurse visit for medication administration and follow-up telephone calls every several months for up to 5 years. Take this short survey to see if you are eligible to participate.
  • wAID-PD -This is a web-based automated imaging study. Along with those who have Parkinson’s Disease, people with PSP and MSA are considered for this study. There are 2 visits. One visit will include a questionnaire and an MRI scan and another will take place 12-18 months after the first visit as a follow-up. Take this short survey to see if you are eligible to participate.