BlueRock Therapeutics shared a news release on January 7, 2020 announcing the funding of a two-year trial using adult donor stem cells. Parkinson Canada’s view: This news is a “[s]ignificant development in North America as the US FDA approves it’s first trial to study the use of pluripotent stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The system uses … Read More
Newly established Parkinson Advisory Council (PAC) prioritizes raising the voice of people affected by Parkinson’s
Raising the voice of people affected by Parkinson’s has always been an important priority of Parkinson Canada and was one of the guiding principles behind Karen Lee’s CEO Listening Tour this summer, hosted just months after joining the organization. What became clear there is the priority for a greater inclusion of the Parkinson Voice – your voice – in the … Read More
CEO Listening Tour identifies key themes among Parkinson Community
In April 2020, Parkinson Canada welcomed new President and CEO, Dr. Karen Lee, just weeks after the global outbreak of COVID-19. Throughout the summer Karen embarked on an 8-session virtual listening tour with participants from across Canada. The purpose of the CEO Listening Tour was for Karen to meet stakeholders who are integral to the Parkinson’s community and who have … Read More
Opening the Blood-Brain Barrier: New Treatment for Parkinson’s in Phase 1 Trial
A new Phase 1 clinical trial has been in the news this month offering hope and enthusiasm in the field of Parkinson’s research. This project led by Canadian researchers at Toronto’s Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and University Health Network would be a first-of-its-kind therapy for Canadians living with Parkinson’s. Lorraine Kalia, one of the lead investigators and a member of … Read More
Gina’s Story: Participating in the Canadian Open Parkinson Network
It was late 2013 and Gina Lupino, 36 at the time, slept for 3 weeks straight, recovering from pneumonia. Gina suspected that something was not quite right with her health, and stiffness, slowness, and ratcheted articulation in her right started got in the way of playing snare drum in a percussion band. She would see four neurologists over 18 months, … Read More
The Canadian Open Parkinson Network—National Research Platform Accelerates Parkinson’s Disease Discoveries
TORONTO, ON — (June 16, 2020)—Parkinson Canada invites people living with Parkinson’s disease to join the Canadian Open Parkinson Network (C-OPN) to be part of the solution to improve lives for those living with Parkinson’s and ultimately to help discover a cure. Phase one of C-OPN brings together many of Canada’s best in Parkinson’s research with eight sites initially taking … Read More
Canadian Open Parkinson Network funding begins collaboration platform to accelerate Parkinson’s disease research and knowledge
TORONTO, ON — (November 27, 2018)—Parkinson Canada together with Brain Canada are pleased to announce the creation of the Canadian Open Parkinson Network (C-OPN). The $2 million Platform Grant is intended to support the initial development and maintenance of a large-scale research network that is built on the foundation of the established and successful Quebec Parkinson Network (QPN), and involve multiple provinces, … Read More
Limit of annual procedures in British Columbia for Duodopa therapy removed
We are pleased to share the BC Pharmacare announcement that Duodopa is now listed on formulary effective Dec. 10, 2020, which means there will no longer be a cap on the number of BC Duodopa patients per year. The BC criteria for access to Duodopa is now similar to other provinces. Treatments like this are a primary focus of our … Read More
Parkinson Canada featured in MacLean’s Patient Access & Empowerment campaign
CEO Dr. Karen Lee among those leading the charge in access to care The following post appeared in a special issue of MacLean’s magazine, published on December 2, 2020. Parkinson’s disease is the fastest-growing neurological condition worldwide, and in Canada the rates of Parkinson’s are reported the be the highest in the world. Why? Parkinson Canada is pursuing the answer … Read More
Laurier announces new exercise focused study
On November 23, the Laurier research centre announced participation on an international trial investigating the potential for exercise to slow progression in Parkinson’s. This study has significant potential in validating the role that exercise plays in managing Parkinson’s. Further details on the study and how people in Ontario and Alberta can participate will be available in the new year. Researchers … Read More
