![\"A](\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/DaT-scan-of-light-blur-1500x1000-1-1024x683.png\")
Early Action<\/strong> \u201cI keep moving!,” he says.<\/p>\n He is staying active. He is a runner, and exercises a lot. He has started yoga to help him maintain his balance, and is even thinking of trying Tai Chi next.<\/p>\n Also, he chose to enter the national Parkinson\u2019s Foundation PD GENEration<\/a> registry collecting blood samples from volunteering patients across the country to collect and test their individual genetic predisposition for the disease. About 10-15% of PD cases are associated with an identifiable genetic cause. It also is pooling together more patient data to help advance research and try to find answers for a future cure. The registry already has 30,000 PD patients enrolled.<\/p>\n \u201cWe believe that genetic and environmental factors are at the core of the cause of Parkinson\u2019s disease. This registry can help us learn more about the genetic make-up of a family, and also of the disease itself. If you participate, you are helping patients across the country,\u201d says Dr. Bernardo Rodrigues, director of the Parkinson\u2019s disease Clinic at UConn Health.<\/p>\n Interestingly, while Bill was visiting the Clinical Research Center at UConn School of Medicine located in the lobby of UConn Health to have his blood drawn for this PD GENE registry, with available free genetic counseling offered by Indiana University, his wife saw a flyer. She then asked about a brand-new clinical trial (BHV8000-301) launching at UConn School of Medicine. This trial, sponsored by Connecticut-based Biohaven Pharmaceuticals, Inc.<\/a> is testing the ability of their experimental new medication, BHV-8000, to slow disease progression in people like Bill who are living with early-stage PD.<\/p>\n Central to Bill\u2019s Clinical Research Center experience was Sheila Thurlow, MSN, RN, the study coordinator whose expertise and coordination are critical to both studies. Thurlow drew Bill\u2019s blood for the PD GENEration study while also answering his and his wife\u2019s questions about the Biohaven study. She oversees both studies, serving as a vital link between patients, investigators, and study sponsors. Her coordination of logistics, regulatory requirements, and patient education efficiently allowed Bill to move quickly from learning about the study to enrollment.<\/p>\n First Connecticut Patient in Clinical Trial <\/strong><\/p>\n Bill became the first patient in Connecticut to be enrolled in the Biohaven clinical trial\u00a0<\/a>\u2013 an important milestone for both the study and Parkinson\u2019s research in the state.<\/p>\n \u201cThrough this novel clinical trial Bill and other patients will be helping us find out if this new medication will change the world for Parkinson\u2019s disease patients \u2013 and we think it could,” Rodrigues, whose team at UConn Health treats over 300 Parkinson’s disease patients annually, says. “If proven effective, this would be a first of its kind in Parkinson\u2019s disease medication.<\/p>\n \u201cThis clinical trial is big. We are super excited about its potential.\u201d<\/p>\n BHV-8000-301 explores a different frontier to treat the underlying inflammation, including inflammation in the brain, that causes the disease to worsen. The drug (BHV-8000) works by targeting inflammation messengers to prevent and stifle two proteins TYK2\/JAK1 from transmitting inflammatory signals between cells and spreading throughout the brain and the rest of the body.<\/p>\n \u201cThis medication works by blocking the transmission of inflammatory signals closely associated with PD. By inhibiting inflammation, the body\u2019s immune response calms, and allows for the body to begin to heal itself on the molecular level – and the hope is that we will be able to slow down Parkinson\u2019s disease progression,\u201d says Rodrigues. \u201cThis could be revolutionary.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m a big believer in JAK inhibitors,\u201d shares Bill.<\/p>\n \u201cI just took my first pill yesterday,\u201d Bill shared with excitement on February 3, 2026 about his participation in the double-blind, multi-center clinical trial BHV8000-301, sponsored by Biohaven Pharmaceuticals. Neither he nor his doctor or study team know if he is receiving the real medication or a placebo pill. But Bill is hopeful and is keeping a daily log of all his symptoms, food, medications, and supplements.<\/p>\n \u201cMy hope is that this new medication slows my Parkinson\u2019s disease progression,\u201d says Bill. \u201cBut even if participating in the clinical trial doesn\u2019t help me, I hope it helps others now or down the road. Participating in a clinical trial is a time commitment but it\u2019s worth it to help others.\u201d<\/p>\n Bill\u2019s participation in both research initiatives was made possible through the UConn School of Medicine\u2019s Clinical Research Center (CRC), a dedicated hub designed to support innovative research safely, efficiently, and effectively. The CRC provides specialized space, infrastructure, and highly trained expert staff to ensure that studies are conducted with the highest scientific, regulatory, and ethical standards.<\/p>\n \u201cThe CRC allows investigators to launch complex trials quickly while providing patients a seamless, supportive experience. This dedicated environment is essential for translating scientific discoveries into real world treatments and offering Connecticut patients access to innovative therapies,\u201d says Elizabeth Laska BSN, RN, CCRC, nurse manager of the Clinical Research Center.<\/p>\n Advice to Others with Parkinson\u2019s<\/strong><\/p>\n Bill urges others to consider participating in the national PD GENEration registry powered by the Parkinson\u2019s Foundation.<\/p>\n He recommends working with a social worker like the ones he\u2019s benefitted from being connected with at UConn Health, and also to take advantage of informative webinars and support groups for Parkinson\u2019s disease patients<\/a> like the ones UConn Health and other organizations offer.<\/p>\n He also recommends \u201ckeep moving!,\u201d as he says it does his body a lot of good as he embarks on his Parkinson\u2019s disease journey.<\/p>\n Rodrigues agrees and urges all Parkinson\u2019s disease patients to stay active and stay involved in the PD community and its resources such as the American Parkinson\u2019s Disease Association (APDA) programs, wellness support, and research opportunities. Also, participate in the national PD GENE registry to help establish your genetic risk for free, but also your family members. The Michael J. Fox Foundation is also dedicated to advancing PD research, access to clinical trials, and offers a lot of information.<\/p>\n In addition to offering the latest in diagnostics, treatments, and research clinical trials, UConn Health is also hard at work training the next generation of Parkinson\u2019s disease experts through UConn School of Medicine.<\/p>\n UConn Health, in collaboration with Hartford HealthCare and the support of the Chase Family Foundation, has a Movement Disorders fellowship training program that educates one new neurologist in the sub-specialty each year. This program is vital, as the U.S. and Connecticut are both dealing with aging populations, and there is a shortage of experts able to care for age-associated diseases like Parkinson\u2019s.<\/p>\n UConn Health\u2019s Parkinson\u2019s disease team, with the help of the Clinical Research Center, are proud of their clinical trials.<\/p>\n \u201cOur patients are asked each time they come to our clinic if they would like to participate in clinical trials, and patients come to us from all over the state as they are excited to see what new trials we have to offer,\u201d says Dr. Chindhuri Selvadurai, division chief of Parkinson\u2019s disease and Movement Disorders program at UConn Health. She also directs the training of UConn medical students in the Neurology Clerkship. \u201cOur research is open to our patients as well as anyone in the community who wishes to participate. Patients in Connecticut don’t have to travel far to get this groundbreaking care that is available only in certain centers across the country and world. We are thankful to patients who contribute to science not only to help themselves, but also their friends, neighbors, children, and the general population.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For more information on this clinical trial email: parkinsons@uchc.edu<\/a> or visit: health.uconn.edu\/parkinsons<\/a> and clinicaltrials.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nBill is taking early action to stay ahead of his new Parkinson\u2019s diagnosis.<\/p>\n![\"Dr.](\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Copy-of-light-blur-1500x1000-1-1024x683.png\")