Reflection on research progress in 2025

As Europe’s leading funder of Parkinson’s research, we strive to uncover the causes of the condition to develop new treatments and ultimately a cure. We also fund projects that aim to improve symptoms and quality of life for people with Parkinson’s. With over 40 symptoms, a variety of new treatments will be needed to meet everyone’s needs. So what progress have we made in 2025?

We funded 13 new projects

This year, we’ve welcomed lots of new projects into our research programme. I’m particularly excited about the projects focusing on finding ways to identify Parkinson’s earlier. As highlighted by our recent work on the prevalence of Parkinson’s, it is clear that now, more than ever, we need better and faster methods to diagnose the condition.

I’m also looking forward to following a new project that is looking at understanding why some people with Parkinson’s experience freezing, a feeling of their feet being stuck to the spot.

Dr Jennifer Davies at Cardiff University is leading one of our new projects looking to treat this symptom:

You can read our full list of active research projects where we’re currently committing £41m towards finding better treatments.

… and saw the start of multiple phase 3 clinical trials.

This year, 3 re-purposed drugs that we’re funding through exciting collaborations and partnerships, entered phase 3 clinical trials. These trials are the final and crucial step in proving whether these particular treatments can slow or stop Parkinson’s, before they can be approved for use. 

• The study of ambroxol got underway through a trial called ASPro-PD. 330 people with Parkinson’s are being recruited and starting to receive ambroxol or a placebo 'dummy' drug over 2 years. You can read more about ASPro-PD on our research news page.
• Telmisartan and terazosin are being trialled as part of a new way of testing potential Parkinson’s treatments - through EJS ACT-PD. This groundbreaking platform trial allows multiple drugs to be tested at the same time, with quick decisions on whether to continue or stop a trial early. Even better, new drugs can be added as the trial progresses. The study is looking for people to register their interest to take part. You can find out more about EJS ACT-PD, including how you can register your interest to take part, on our research news page. 

Carroll was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 9 years ago, and has been part of the team planning the EJS ACT-PD study. She said:

We shared hopeful news and results  

While adding new projects to our research programme, this year has also been one of progress. I want to highlight an exciting flurry of updates from our Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech programme - a unique way we fund research to ensure promising discoveries are taken from the lab and developed into drugs for people with Parkinson’s. This approach is all about moving potential treatments through the research pipeline, bringing them closer to those who need them.

This year’s highlights include 2 potential treatments that may be able to slow or stop Parkinson’s, reaching the early clinical trial stage. The projects have secured enough investment to reach this critical phase. Our Virtual Biotech investment has been instrumental in driving this progress, providing early backing to companies and helping them attract larger investments to enable this crucial next step.

Both trials are set to begin early in 2026.

These drugs aim to support brain cells by keeping the brain cell batteries healthy. Read more about this area of research on our blog. 

Dr Lynsey Bilsland, Managing Director of the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech, said:

We also saw results from a small early stage clinical trial that we’re funding of a potential treatment called HER-096. It completed phase 1 trials, comparing it to a placebo in 24 people with Parkinson’s, proving to be safe, well tolerated, and effective in reaching the brain. This is a major milestone on the path to developing a drug that could slow, stop, or even repair Parkinson’s damage - something that doesn’t currently exist.

The trial, funded in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, through the Virtual Biotech, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation, lays the foundation for HER-096 to move into larger phase 2 trials, hopefully in 2026.

You can read more about the HER-096 results on our research news pages. 

Lynsey celebrated the results, saying:
"This is another glimmer of hope that we are on the right track toward much-needed treatments to slow or stop Parkinson’s. It’s a testament to the importance of charity funding and the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech in driving early-stage trials forward."

… and won awards,

This year has also been one of success and recognition for our team. We were honoured with the Harding Prize for Trustworthy Communications, celebrating the work we do to share research in a clear and reliable way. We were also recognised for our Tech Guide project, which provides a catalogue of technology available to people with Parkinson’s, alongside user reviews. The award specifically celebrated the meaningful involvement of people with Parkinson’s, who have been at the heart of creating this important new resource.

These fantastic awards highlight our dedication to delivering the very best for people with Parkinson’s.

… and put on a huge community convention.

One of my standout moments this year was Par-Con, our inspiring 2-day community convention focused on research and living well with Parkinson’s. Held at the Vox Venue in Birmingham and online, it was a wonderful mix of positivity, emotion, and hope. From updates on the search for better treatments to an uplifting dance session with Angela Rippon, there was something for everyone. A particularly poignant moment was the in-person meeting of our Black, Asian, Arab, and mixed heritage support group who usually meet online.

The event was brought to life by an incredible working group of people affected by Parkinson’s. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made it such a success! 

If you couldn’t join us, there’s still time to catch up. And look out for Par-Con 2026!

All of this is people powered and underpinned by people affected by Parkinson’s

We have a network of 12,000 people helping us to drive research forward, including over 550 research volunteers who make sure that our research has the biggest possible impact. This vibrant community doesn’t just fund groundbreaking research through generous donations, but takes part, shapes studies, and guides our investment decisions too. With our volunteers, this year we have achieved so many things, including 13 new reviews of apps and devices on our Tech Guide, and developing an online learning module to help healthcare professionals talk about research with their patients. 

So I want to say thank you. You’ve helped us to support over 80 research groups to shape their studies and priorities and over 50 studies to find participants in this year alone! Together, we will find better treatments and a cure. 

Ellen, one of lay grant reviewers, shares her reflections on the year: 

"I've also enjoyed meeting researchers this year and seeing their appreciation for the reviewer process itself, and I feel I've been very lucky in that this year.

"I think what being a lay reviewer does is turn you from being perhaps a victim into someone who is more powerful, through understanding and helping scientists to design something that might prove to be, if not a cure, at least something that will improve our present condition."

Looking ahead to 2026

I’m excited about the year ahead. I‘m particularly looking forward to the launch of the new Parkinson’s research centre that we’re funding in partnership with the UK Dementia Research Institute. We’ve already appointed the director, Professor Miratul Muqit, and started to solidify the centre’s aims to understand the causes of Parkinson’s to have even more exciting treatments to develop and trial.

Next year will also see the start of at least 2 more phase 3 trials, with testing of an antibody against alpha-synuclein called Prasinezumab, and another drug will be added to the EJS ACT-PD trial.

With more exciting projects joining the programme and results expected, don’t miss an update. The best way to keep up to date is by joining the Research Support Network to receive regular emails from us.