Parkinson’s Research Expands
A better understanding of Parkinson’s Disease is underway.
The Parkinson's Foundation has received a substantial grant from Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) through its Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2). This grant will significantly expand the PD GENEration study, a groundbreaking international genetics initiative mapping the future of Parkinson’s Disease. The PD GENEration study offers genetic testing and counseling to individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD), aiming to accelerate research impact, particularly focusing on underrepresented populations.
ASAP's generous support will enable the Parkinson's Foundation to enhance recruitment efforts, reaching a more diverse community in the U.S., Canada, and expanding to Latin and South American countries. The study, available in English and Spanish, aims to understand the genetics of PD across different populations, providing crucial insights into the unique aspects of the disease and potentially leading to new treatments.
To maximize efficiency, the Foundation will transition to whole genome sequencing (WGS), allowing comprehensive investigation of the genetic underpinnings of PD. Embracing the spirit of open science, the research data will be shared through the Accelerating Medicines Partnership® Parkinson's Disease (AMP® PD) portal, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders.
Led by the National Institute on Aging, the GP2 program, in collaboration with the Parkinson’s Foundation, seeks to improve understanding of PD's genetic architecture by increasing racial and ethnic diversity in global PD genetic data. This initiative aligns with ASAP's commitment to prioritize diversity in research and clinical trials, ensuring all populations are included.
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PD GENEration, launched in 2019, stands out as a patient-facing research study, providing participants with their genetic test results. With the anticipated expansion in spring 2024, the study will continue its mission to make genetic testing accessible to all individuals with PD, fostering research participation across diverse groups. The collaboration between the Parkinson’s Foundation, ASAP, and GP2 is poised to benefit the entire PD community and advance the quest for a cure. To learn more about PD GENEration, visit Parkinson.org/PDGENEration or call the Foundation’s Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) for support in English and Spanish. For enrollment inquiries, email Genetics@Parkinson.org.