Menu UF Health Home Menu

Clinical Trials

If you want cutting edge research, then you have come to the right place…

The Clinical Trials Center at the University of Florida is associated with the Parkinson’s study group, the Huntington’s Study Group, the Dystonia Study Group, and the DBS Society. The center also has an NIH initiative to provide neuroprotective therapies. Additionally, UF is invested in genetics research and device development. All patients have the option to participate in one or more clinical trials. Contact us about participating in a clinical trial at UF.

How have UF discoveries led to new treatments for movement disorders?

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that looks into the safety and usefulness of a drug in improving symptoms or slowing, stopping, or reversing the progression of a disease. Most drugs tested in clinical trials are not yet available in drug stores (Phase I, II, III studies) while some studies involve medications that are already available (Phase IV studies).

What is a Clinical Trials Center (CTC)?

A CTC in an institution composed of qualified investigators, coordinators, and other health care providers dedicated to testing promising medications in a safe, humane, and organized manner. The Clinical Trials Center at the Movement Disorders Program at UF is one example of such an operation.

What happens during the study if I decide to participate?

Each clinical trial requires specific criteria for enrollment. You may express your desire to inquire about a particular study to any of the Movement Disorders Center staff. Your medical history assists us to determine your eligibility. Then the consent form, which outlines your rights and responsibilities as a research subject and the potential benefits and risks in study participation, will be carefully explained to you. Once you decide to participate, the study coordinator will contact you and give you the schedule and the details you will need to know for each visit. You have the right to quit at anytime without prejudice to you or the care you receive.

Do I get compensated for participating in a clinical trial?

Some studies that require prolonged visits or an increased number visits, may be compensated for the gasoline, meals and parking expenses. However, in general, participating in a research study is a selfless voluntary action.

Why should I participate in a clinical trial?

People participate for various reasons. Most do because they want to contribute to the therapeutic advancement of their illness. Some participate because the medication being tested is not yet available in drug stores and it may potentially improve their symptoms or slow their disease. Some patients participate for the free comprehensive physical and neurological evaluations and screening laboratory tests that are required in the study. Patients often enjoy being in a clinical trial because it may serve as a way of learning about their illness. Even though we treat all our patients with the best available care, whether or not they choose to join a clinical trial, participants get extra benefits from enrolling. These benefits include closer monitoring of their symptoms, more one-on-one interaction with their doctor and nurse, and increased learning about their disease.

We always tell our patients that their voluntary participation can have a great impact…

“the reason why we have drugs available for you today is because 10 years ago, someone suffering from the same illness like yourself volunteered to participate in a clinical trial…. And the reason why your grandchildren will no longer worry about the same illness is because you participated today…”