½ðºÌÓéÀÖ³Ç

World Parkinson¡¯s Day is an important moment to reflect on the progress made in improving the lives of people living with Parkinson¡¯s and to highlight ongoing challenges. 

The PECPR Initiative: A Model for Patient Engagement 

One of the key initiatives leading the way in this space is the Patient Engagement Council for Parkinson¡¯s Research (PECPR). Formed through a collaboration between ½ðºÌÓéÀÖ³Ç, Parkinson¡¯s UK, Parkinson¡¯s Foundation, and patients, the PECPR exemplifies how meaningful partnerships between industry, patient groups, and people living with Parkinson¡¯s can drive impactful outcomes.

Started in 2021, the initiative has grown into a dynamic platform where all stakeholders work together shoulder to shoulder to ensure that patient voices are embedded at every stage of clinical trials. The PECPR has developed a comprehensive playbook to help clinical trial teams integrate patient input early in the research process. This ensures that trials are designed with the patient experience in mind, leading to more impactful and inclusive results.  

The PECPR was honored to have received the Made With Patients Award in 2024 - the first global award celebrating innovators in patient engagement. Hosted by Patient Engagement for Medicine Development (PFMD), the award recognizes outstanding contributions across medicine development, MedTech, digital health sectors, and more.   

A New Initiative for Health Equity in Research and Development

This year also marks the launch of the Parkinson¡¯s Health Equity in R&D Community Leaders Board by ½ðºÌÓéÀÖ³Ç. The goal is to ensure that people from underserved backgrounds living with Parkinson¡¯s are better represented in clinical trials. By doing so, ½ðºÌÓéÀÖ³Ç aims to conduct clinical trials that more accurately reflect these populations, ultimately providing benefits to all patients.

The board¡¯s objective is to create a platform where community leaders can share their real-world expertise and provide strategic guidance to ½ðºÌÓéÀÖ³Ç. Together, they aim to drive impactful initiatives across clinical programs, ensuring that equity and inclusion are integral to the way research and development operate. 

A Future of Hope and Progress

This World Parkinson's Day, we celebrate the strides made in research, equity, and patient engagement¡ªand we reaffirm our commitment to creating a better future for all people living with Parkinson¡¯s. Initiatives like PECPR and the R&D Community Leaders Board show that equitable, inclusive collaboration isn't just a buzzword; it's the foundation of meaningful progress.

Together, we are building a more inclusive and impactful research environment, one that aims to delivers unique outcomes for all communities. By continuing to listen, learn, and collaborate, we can ensure that the voices of people living with Parkinson¡¯s remain central to everything we do.

Learn more about Parkinson¡¯s