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Dundee clinical trials team recognised internationally for rapid launch of Parkinson’s Disease study
Dundee’s clinical trials and research team has received international recognition after its site became one of the first in the world to launch a phase 3 clinical trial investigating a potential disease-modifying treatment for Parkinson’s disease
The PARAISO study (BN44715) is investigating a monoclonal antibody designed to target abnormal protein clumps in the brain associated with Parkinson’s disease.
The aim of the study is to determine whether the investigational therapy has the potential to slow clinical progression and will be delivered across approximately 250 sites worldwide, enrolling around 900 participants.
The investigational therapy is not currently approved for any indication. The study will evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of the investigational therapy compared with placebo (in participants on stable symptomatic monotherapy with levodopa).
Last month, it was confirmed that the Tayside Medical Science Centre (TASC) — a collaboration between the University of Dundee with NHS Tayside — facilitated the set up and activation of Dundee as a PARAISO study site.
Dundee became the second site globally and the first in the UK and Europe to be activated, highlighting the capability and readiness of the Dundee research environment.
Within days, the Dundee team saw its first participant who was then successfully enrolled in the study just over four weeks later — again as the first site in the UK and Europe to do so. Roche described it as “a huge accomplishment” and praised the team’s collaboration, engagement, and enthusiasm.
Dundee’s success reflects the strong partnership between clinical care and research, supported by the Scottish Government funded Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network (NRS NDN), the Clinical Research Centre at Ninewells Hospital, NHS Tayside, the University of Dundee and TASC.
Many staff work across both NHS and research roles, enabling rapid mobilisation of complex studies. The study is led by clinician scientist Dr Esther Sammler, who leads an independent research programme on Parkinson’s disease in Dundee and works as a consultant neurologist at NHS Tayside, supported by Dr Graeme MacKenzie, Dr Susan Angus, and many others including the NRS NDN core team.
This consists of Team lead/mental health nurse, Justine Hudson, Study coordinator/mental health nurse, Kate Fraser, Clinical Research Practitioner (CRP), Tiffany Stewart, and Parkinson’s Disease Specialist Nurse, Lorna Gillies.
Dr Sammler said: “It is fantastic that we can offer studies like PARAISO to people with Parkinson’s in our local community. The real driving force behind research is the people who take part — progress towards better treatments simply isn’t possible without them.
“I would also like to thank every member of the team across the University and NHS Tayside who made this possible, especially our study coordinator, Kate Fraser.”
NRS NDN Clinical Studies Officer, Kate Fraser said: “After being part of an earlier phase of the study, we are excited to continue working with this antibody that targets a known biological driver of Parkinson’s disease progression.
“We’re proud that the NDN team worked in close coordination to pull together all the documentation and training requirements set by the sponsor in such a short space of time. We are also grateful to our colleagues in R&D TASC whose hard work ensured all the relevant approvals were in place to allow our NDN team to push on with all the other site set-up tasks.
“Finally, without the continued support from Dr Sammler, we wouldn't be in such a good position to support such clinical trials in Parkinson’s research.”
Head of Commercial Research Services at TASC, Julie K Johnston said: “We are extremely proud of the impactful work achieved here in a very short period.
“The opportunity to contribute to this groundbreaking global study is of course an exciting prospect and the groundwork in Dundee has been achieved at pace.
“When you consider that Parkinson's disease affects over 10 million people globally, meaning a clearly substantial need for new treatment options, it is pleasing to be taking a lead in such a pioneering study for the identification of what could potentially become a disease-modifying treatment for Parkinson’s disease.”
This study builds on encouraging findings from earlier studies. Recruitment and screening will continue at the Dundee site in the coming months.
For anybody interested in learning more about research and clinical trial opportunities in Dundee, please contact NRS NDN.
Publication date: 12th December 2025
