EJS ACT-PD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Edmond J Safra, Accelerating Clinical Trials in Parkinson’s Disease (EJS ACT-PD) - a Multi-arm Multi-stage Platform Trial for potential disease modifying approaches.
IRAS ID
1009921
Contact name
Thomas Foltynie
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Research summary
Parkinson's disease (PD) is currently the fastest-growing neurological condition globally. It is projected to affect 172,000 people in the UK by 2030, with the current annual cost to the country being ~£3.6 billion. The disease progressively impairs physical abilities, leading to increased disability, falls, and difficulties with speech, swallowing, mood, thinking, and memory. While existing treatments can alleviate some symptoms, their effectiveness diminishes over time, and they can cause severe side effects.
This trial uses a Multi-Arm, Multi-Stage (MAMS) design where multiple treatments are tested simultaneously in separate groups, called "arms." Each treatment is compared against a placebo, a dummy treatment with no active ingredients, to evaluate its effectiveness and safety.
Throughout the trial, each treatment undergoes periodic reviews, known as interim analyses, to assess its safety and potential benefits. If a treatment shows promise, it continues in the trial until a final assessment determines its overall effectiveness. Treatments that do not show positive results are discontinued and replaced with new candidates. This approach reduces the number of participants needed to obtain reliable results and is more cost-effective and faster than conducting separate trials for each treatment.
The treatments selected for this trial were chosen based on careful consideration of existing evidence regarding their safety and effectiveness. The initial treatments include telmisartan and terazosin.
Participants will be followed up for up to 36 months. After an in-person screening visit, all remaining visits at 3 months, 6 months and then every 6 months after, for a total of up to 36 months can be completed remotely. The visits will include questionnaires, assessment of Parkinson’s symptoms and discussions about any side effects. Participants will informed of trial progress. Results will be shared via the trial website and published in a medical journal.REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0039
Date of REC Opinion
20 Feb 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion