Study to Test Effects and Safety of RO7568282 in Early Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a condition that affects movement, balance, and coordination. This study is testing a potential new medicine, known as RO7568282, in adults who are in the early stages of the condition. Researchers want to find out how safe the medicine is, how it moves through the body, and whether it helps control symptoms. Participants must already be taking standard levodopa medication on its own and have stable symptoms. During the study, half of the volunteers will receive the new medicine as capsules, while the other half will receive a dummy pill (placebo) that looks identical. This helps doctors see the true effects of the drug. Taking part involves regular health check-ups, movement assessments, and scans to closely monitor your wellbeing throughout the trial.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Parkinson’s disease develops when nerve cells in the brain that make dopamine—a chemical that helps control movement—become damaged over time. The most common standard treatment is levodopa, which helps replace this lost dopamine to relieve symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slowness. However, scientists are constantly searching for new treatments that can work alongside levodopa to provide better symptom relief and support brain health.
This study is testing an experimental medicine called RO7568282. Researchers are aiming to understand whether adding this treatment to standard levodopa therapy is safe and whether it helps people manage early-stage Parkinson's disease more effectively. Because this is an early-stage study, doctors will also carefully measure how the body absorbs and processes the medicine.
To make sure the results are clear and unbiased, the trial compares RO7568282 against a placebo. A placebo looks identical to the real study drug but contains no active ingredients. Neither you nor your study doctor will know which one you are taking until the trial is complete. Comparing the two groups allows scientists to see whether any health changes are genuinely caused by the study medicine.
Key takeaways
- Tests an experimental capsule medicine (RO7568282) for early-stage Parkinson’s disease.
- Open to adults aged 40 to 85 who take only levodopa at a steady dose.
- Compares the experimental drug against an inactive dummy capsule (placebo).
- Involves regular hospital visits for movement checks, blood tests, and scans.
- Taking part is completely voluntary and you can stop at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This trial is looking for adults aged 40 to 85 who have been diagnosed with typical (idiopathic) Parkinson’s disease. To qualify, you must be in the earlier stages of the condition, able to swallow whole capsules, and currently taking only levodopa at a stable dose for at least two months without major movement complications between doses.
You will not be able to join if you have a different form of parkinsonism or have been diagnosed with Parkinson's dementia. The trial is also not suitable for people with significant heart problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or other major neurological conditions that show up on a brain scan. These safety rules help ensure that the study is as safe as possible for everyone taking part.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am between 40 and 85 years old.
- I have been diagnosed with typical Parkinson’s disease in its early stages.
- I have taken levodopa on its own at a steady dose for at least 2 months.
- I can swallow whole capsules without problems.
- I do not have serious heart conditions or Parkinson's-related memory loss (dementia).
What does participation involve?
If you join the study, you will be given capsules to take by mouth alongside your normal levodopa medicine. You will visit a study clinic or hospital regularly over several months. During these visits, doctors and nurses will monitor your health through blood tests, heart traces (ECGs), brain scans (such as an MRI), and standard movement checks. At certain visits, you might be asked to wait before taking your morning levodopa so the team can assess your symptoms directly. The study team will support you throughout the trial and explain each step in advance.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Ninewells Hospital, Dundee- ScotlandVerified postcodeDundee, United Kingdom
- Royal London HospitalVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is RO7568282?
It is an experimental medicine being tested to find out if it is safe and helpful for people living with early Parkinson's disease.
Will I definitely receive the new medicine?
No. You will be randomly assigned to receive either RO7568282 or a dummy pill (placebo) so doctors can compare the results fairly.
Do I have to stop taking my normal levodopa?
No. You must be on a stable dose of levodopa on its own to take part, and you will continue taking it during the trial.
How do I take the trial medicine?
The medicine comes in capsules that must be swallowed whole with water.
Will taking part cost me anything?
No. The study medication and all trial tests are free of charge, and travel expenses to the clinic are usually covered.
How to find out more
Reference Study ID Number: BP46441 https://forpatients.roche.com/ No email attachments.
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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