Parkinson DiseaseBLAAC PDNCT06719583
Black and African Americans Connections to Parkinson's Disease (BLAAC PD)
An observational study of Parkinson Disease, run by Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at 12 sites in United States.
Trial summary
BLAAC PD is a research study to understand what Parkinson's disease looks like for Black and African American communities. BLAAC PD is happening at research centers around the United States. The study is part of the Global Parkinson's Genetics Program (GP2). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Parkinson Disease
- How many people
- 2,000 participants
- Where
- 12 sitesUnited States
- Study dates
- 16 Nov 2020to 31 Dec 2027
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: Black Americans and African Americans with Parkinson's Disease or without a history of Parkinson's (control volunteers).
Who may be able to join
- Ability to provide informed consent
- Age 50 years or older
- Self-identify as Black or African American
- Ability to provide informed consent
- Age 18 years or older
- Self-identify as Black or African American
- Meet the Movement Disorder Society's clinical diagnostic criteria for Parkinson's disease
Who cannot join
- Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease and/or neurological condition
- Familial history of PD and/or neurodegenerative or psychiatric conditions
- Unknown family history of PD and/or neurodegenerative or psychiatric conditions
- Any conditions that, in the investigator's opinion, preclude the individual's ability to carry out study activities
- If submitting a saliva sample, nothing by mouth (food, drink, gum, tobacco, or smoking) for 30 minutes prior to sample collection
- If submitting a saliva sample, nothing by mouth (food, drink, gum, tobacco, or smoking) for 30 minutes prior to sample collection
Trial locations and contacts
12 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
12 sites in 1 country
United States12 sites, 11 recruiting
- Recruiting
University of Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
Christina Cooper, 410-328-7817, ChristinaCooper@som.umaryland.edu
Rebecca Weimer, 410 328-1883, rweimer@som.umaryland.edu
- Recruiting
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, 35233
Joseph Richardson, 205-934-0074, jhrichardson@uabmc.edu
Lauren Ruffrage, 205-934-5954, lruffrage@uabmc.edu
- Recruiting
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, 29425
Lisa Heidelberg, 843-792-6463, heidelbe@musc.edu
Vanessa Hinson, MD
- Recruiting
Rush University
Chicago, Illinois, 60612
Jacqueline Vanegas, 312-563-0679, jacqueline_vanegas@rush.edu
Deborah Hall, MD
- Recruiting
University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, 60637
Hanna Gilluly, 773-633-8412, hlancerio@bsd.uchicago.edu
Tao Xie, MD, PhD
- Recruiting
University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center
Cleveland, Ohio, 44106
Ashley Hawkins, 216-844-2327, ashley.hawkins2@uhhospitals.org
Camilla Kilbane, MD
- Recruiting
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, 32608
Randy Foli, 352-733-2433, randy.foli@neurology.ufl.edu
Emily Reynolds, 352-733-2338, Emily.Reynolds@neurology.ufl.edu
- Recruiting
University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Houston, Texas, 77030
Natalia Pessoa Rocha, 713 500 7496, natalia.pessoarocha@uth.tmc.edu
Erin Furr Stimming, MD
- Recruiting
Ochsner Clinic Foundation
New Orleans, Louisiana, 70121
Dominique Thomas, 504-842-3980, dominique.thomas3@ochsner.org
Julia Staisch, MD
- Active, not recruiting
Kaiser Permanente Midatlantic States
Rockville, Maryland, 20852
- Recruiting
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport
Shreveport, Louisiana, 71103
April Strickland, 318-813-3610, april.strickland@lsuhs.edu
Elizabeth Disbrow, PhD
- Recruiting
Washington University in St. Louis
St Louis, Missouri, 63119
Coordinator, 314-273-5262, NIL-BLAACPD@email.wustl.edu
Scott Norris, MD
About this study
Official title: Black and African Americans Connections to Parkinson's Disease (BLAAC PD) A Project of the Global Parkinson's Genetics Program (GP2)
BLAAC PD is a research study to understand what Parkinson's disease looks like for Black and African American communities.
BLAAC PD is happening at research centers around the United States. The study is part of the Global Parkinson's Genetics Program (GP2). GP2 is a research project working to transform understanding of the genetics of Parkinson's disease and make that knowledge globally relevant.
Read the detailed description
Research studies have found connections between genes and Parkinson's disease (PD). But those results have mostly come from studies with non-Black or African American volunteers. BLAAC PD aims to learn more about gene changes that may cause Parkinson's in Black and African American people. Study volunteers at sites across the United States will attend one visit and will give either a blood or saliva sample, complete a smell test, and may be asked to complete a physical exam. This new data could lead to future Parkinson's tests and treatments for Black and African American people and it may help better understand disease in other groups, too.
This pioneering initiative will fill a gap of knowledge about PD in Black and African American people.
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease
- Keywords
- genetics, underrepresented
- Medical subject headings
- Parkinson Disease
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Participants with Parkinson's Disease | Data collected from these participants include demographic information and family health history. Participants may also complete a physical exam. Participants also complete a smell test and contribute a blood or saliva sample for genetic analyses. | |
| Control Participants | Data collected from these participants include demographic information and family health history. Participants also complete a smell test and contribute a blood or saliva sample for genetic analyses. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Explore novel risk factors and characterization
To explore novel risk factors and characterization of known genetic risk factors contributing to Parkinson's disease risk in the Black and African American population.
Measured: 5 years
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Dec 2024
- Study start16 Nov 2020
- Primary completion31 Dec 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Parkinson DiseaseStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 2,000 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- University of Chicago, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Rush University, Washington University School of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, University of Florida, University of Maryland, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Ochsner Health System, Indiana University
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Lana Chahine, MD, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Pittsburgh
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06719583
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- BLAAC PD
- Acronym
- BLAAC PD
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Dec 2024
- Last updated
- 27 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Chahine LM, Louie N, Solle J, Akcimen F, Ameri A, Augenbraun S, Avripas S, Breaux S, Causey C, Chandra S, Dean M, Disbrow EA, Fanty L, Fernandez J, Foster ER, Furr Stimming E, Hall D, Hinson V, Johnson-Turbes A, Jonas C, Kilbane C, Norris SA, Nguyen BT, Padmanaban M, Paquette K, Parry C, Pessoa Rocha N, Rawls A, Shamim EA, Shulman LM, Sipma R, Staisch J, Traurig R, von Coelln R, Wild Crea P, Xie T, Fang ZH, O'Grady A, Kopil CM, McGuire Kuhl M, Singleton A, Blauwendraat C, Bandres-Ciga S; BLAAC PD Study and the Global Parkinson's Genetics Program (GP2). The Black and African American Connections to Parkinson's Disease (BLAAC PD) study protocol. BMC Neurol. 2024 Oct 21;24(1):403. doi: 10.1186/s12883-024-03914-7.
PubMed 39434044
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 27 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Black and African Americans Connections to Parkinson's Disease (BLAAC PD) A Project of the Global Parkinson's Genetics Program (GP2)
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06719583
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- BLAAC PD / BLAAC PD
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease
- Keywords
- genetics, underrepresented
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 2,000 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's ResearchUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- University of Chicago, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Rush University, Washington University School of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, University of Florida, University of Maryland, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Ochsner Health System, Indiana University
- Study start
- 16 Nov 2020 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 6 Dec 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
BLAAC PD is a research study to understand what Parkinson's disease looks like for Black and African American communities.
BLAAC PD is happening at research centers around the United States. The study is part of the Global Parkinson's Genetics Program (GP2). GP2 is a research project working to transform understanding of the genetics of Parkinson's disease and make that knowledge globally relevant.
Detailed description
Research studies have found connections between genes and Parkinson's disease (PD). But those results have mostly come from studies with non-Black or African American volunteers. BLAAC PD aims to learn more about gene changes that may cause Parkinson's in Black and African American people. Study volunteers at sites across the United States will attend one visit and will give either a blood or saliva sample, complete a smell test, and may be asked to complete a physical exam. This new data could lead to future Parkinson's tests and treatments for Black and African American people and it may help better understand disease in other groups, too.
This pioneering initiative will fill a gap of knowledge about PD in Black and African American people.
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Participants with Parkinson's Disease | – | –Data collected from these participants include demographic information and family health history. Participants may also complete a physical exam. Participants also complete a smell test and contribute a blood or saliva sample for genetic analyses. |
| Control Participants | – | –Data collected from these participants include demographic information and family health history. Participants also complete a smell test and contribute a blood or saliva sample for genetic analyses. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- Black Americans and African Americans with Parkinson's Disease or without a history of Parkinson's (control volunteers).
Key inclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Ability to provide informed consent
- Age 50 years or older
- Self-identify as Black or African American
- Ability to provide informed consent
- Age 18 years or older
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease and/or neurological condition
- Familial history of PD and/or neurodegenerative or psychiatric conditions
- Unknown family history of PD and/or neurodegenerative or psychiatric conditions
- Any conditions that, in the investigator's opinion, preclude the individual's ability to carry out study activities
- If submitting a saliva sample, nothing by mouth (food, drink, gum, tobacco, or smoking) for 30 minutes prior to sample collection
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Explore novel risk factors and characterization
Time frame: 5 years
To explore novel risk factors and characterization of known genetic risk factors contributing to Parkinson's disease risk in the Black and African American population.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 27 Feb 2026.
- Background: PubMed 39434044Chahine LM, Louie N, Solle J, Akcimen F, Ameri A, Augenbraun S, Avripas S, Breaux S, Causey C, Chandra S, Dean M, Disbrow EA, Fanty L, Fernandez J, Foster ER, Furr Stimming E, Hall D, Hinson V, Johnson-Turbes A, Jonas C, Kilbane C, Norris SA, Nguyen BT, Padmanaban M, Paquette K, Parry C, Pessoa Rocha N, Rawls A, Shamim EA, Shulman LM, Sipma R, Staisch J, Traurig R, von Coelln R, Wild Crea P, Xie T, Fang ZH, O'Grady A, Kopil CM, McGuire Kuhl M, Singleton A, Blauwendraat C, Bandres-Ciga S; BLAAC PD Study and the Global Parkinson's Genetics Program (GP2). The Black and African American Connections to Parkinson's Disease (BLAAC PD) study protocol. BMC Neurol. 2024 Oct 21;24(1):403. doi: 10.1186/s12883-024-03914-7.
- This is the study website, which provides information about the study and resources for participants.Link provided by the sponsor.
Related trials for Parkinson Disease
Not yet recruitingPhase 1/2
STAR0602 With Nivolumab in Non Small Cell Lung Cancer and in Metastatic Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer, and STAR0602 Alone in Thymic Carcinoma
NSCLC, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Enrolling by invitationObservational study
Early Molecular Biomarkers for Differentiating Parkinsonian Syndromes
PARKINSON DISEASE (Disorder), Atypical Parkinsonism
RecruitingPhase 3
A Clinical Study of Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (MK-2870) in Combination With Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) as First-line Maintenance Treatment of Cervical Cancer (MK-2870-036/TroFuse-036/GOG-3123/ENGOT-cx22)
Cervical Cancer
Active, not recruitingPhase 1/2
Clinical Safety and Efficacy of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stromal Cells-derived Exosomes in Patients With Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson Disease (PD)
Active, not recruitingObservational study
Adaptive DBS to Offset STN Dysregulation During Exercise in PD
Parkinson Disease
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Lana Chahine, MD, PhD principal investigator
University of Pittsburgh
12 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Parkinson Disease, run by Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at 12 sites in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 12 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Naomi Louie, MPH RDN (212-509-0995 ext. 354, nlouie@michaeljfox.org), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Explore novel risk factors and characterization (time frame: 5 years). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06719583, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 27 Feb 2026.