Anne-Marie Demoucelle recently met with Katharina Klapper, an independent consultant specialising in late-stage research and clinical development. Katharina has worked in both industry and nonprofit research settings, including several years at global biopharma company UCB and at the Michael J. Fox Foundation. She offers a valuable perspective on where Parkinson’s research stands today – and where it may be heading next.

In her conversation with Anne-Marie, Katharina highlighted some of the key reasons to be hopeful about the future of Parkinson’s research:

                • more than 170 treatments in development,
                • more thoughtful and targeted clinical trials,
                • better tools to measure real change,
                • everyday improvements through digital tools.

Gathering momentum

Katharina noted that one of the most striking aspects of Parkinson’s research recently is the sheer level of activity.

Compared with previous years, 2025 brought a more diverse and dynamic therapeutic landscape, with many approaches being explored at once to address different symptoms, stages, and biological pathways. She also noted there are a significant number of potential disease-modifying treatments that have reached the clinical trial stage of research and development.  

“Of the around 170 treatments undergoing clinical testing today, half are targeting the underlying biology of Parkinson’s – meaning the processes inside the brain that drive the condition, not just the symptoms. 

A potential treatment that many are particularly excited about is alpha-synuclein-targeting therapy prasinezumab, which international pharmaceutical company Roche decided to progress to Phase 3 trials after encouraging Phase 2 results in 2025. Alpha-synuclein is a protein that accumulates in the brain of people with Parkinson’s, and finding a way to better regulate it is considered an important potential treatment option.

“If successful, this could become one of the first disease-modifying medications available to patients”, Katharina explained. 

She noted that other alpha-synuclein programmes advanced as well in 2025, and that results from trials focusing on genetic forms of Parkinson’s – particularly those linked to gene variants LRRK2 and GBA1 genes – are expected in 2026, including Denali/Biogen’s LRRK2 programme and BIAL’s GBA programme. Genetic variations such as LRRK2 and GBA1 can influence risk or progression of Parkinson’s disease. There are more clinical trials targeting these genes but genetic testing remains a personal choice and is not yet part of routine clinical practice. 

Interestingly, some treatments designed for genetic forms are also being tested in idiopathic Parkinson’s (Parkinson’s without a known genetic cause). “Researchers believe some approaches may benefit people without known mutations as well” she explains. 

As scientific understanding grows, more tailored treatments may be possible.

More thoughtful and targeted clinical trials

Efforts to improve existing therapies that address early as well as more advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease will continue in 2026, Katharina said, including identifying the right patient groups for particular therapies, choosing endpoints [results] that reflect what patients value most, and improving both symptomatic treatments and surgical options.

Katharina emphasized that, while disease-modifying therapies attract much attention, important improvements continue to be made in symptomatic treatment. This includes: better delivery systems for dopamine-based therapy, extended-release formulations, and more stable symptom control to reduce daily fluctuations.

In surgical care, she added, newer, ’adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation’ allows real-time adjustments tailored to each patient, while ‘Focused Ultrasound’ is being increasingly used as a non-invasive option for certain motor symptoms. 

Smarter trials, better tools, and measuring what matters

Katharina identified several drivers underpinning the increase in Parkinson’s research, including:

  • a deeper understanding of the biology of the disease, and
  • better tools to measure whether a treatment is having a meaningful effect, including a broader use of biomarkers.

A biomarker is a measurable sign of a biological process – for example, a protein pattern that helps researchers understand what is happening in the brain. The alpha-synuclein seeding amplification assay is one such tool, and it is now being increasingly integrated into clinical research. 

Katharina noted that trials aimed at slowing down the progression of Parkinson’s often focus on people in the early stages of the condition. “In early Parkinson’s, changes can be very subtle – which is why researchers need more sensitive tools to see whether a treatment is working”, she noted. This may include digital wearables that capture small changes in movement or sleep, and methods of linking biological signals with clinical signs.

Katharina emphasized that new tools need to be approved by regulatory authorities in order to be accepted as proof that a therapy is working. They are currently being assessed within the context of research and are not yet used in routine clinical care. Progress is happening albeit carefully, step by step.

Digital tools and daily life: meaningful progress today

Advances in treatment research are clearly important however it should also be noted that progress is being made in developing and refining tools that support daily life. “There are impressive advances in digital health that support self-management,” Katharina noted. 

Examples include:

  • wearable devices tracking mobility or sleep,
  • apps offering speech or physical therapy at home,
  • cognitive training tools,
  • music-based therapy platforms, and
  • models of care that bring interdisciplinary support into people’s homes.

She highlights the Parkinson’s UK Tech Guide, which helps people compare devices and apps through real patient reviews:  a valuable way to reduce overwhelm and support informed decisions. These digital tools also help clinicians and empower individuals to take an active role in their care.

Looking ahead: Why be hopeful?

For Katharina, hope comes from a combination of scientific progress and the breadth of approaches: “We have several shots on goal – and that is the right strategy. Parkinson’s is not the same for everybody.”

She is encouraged by:

  • the diversity of programmes entering late-stage trials,
  • continued efforts to address troubling symptoms,
  • unconventional approaches such as cell therapy,
  • stronger integration of the patient voice in research,
  • and a greater momentum in research in general.

“It is a journey – but the field is moving in the right direction.”