Streamlining Genetic Screening and Recruitment for an LRRK2-Targeted Parkinson Disease Trial: James Beck, PhD

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"LRRK2 mutations really only represent about 2% of the Parkinson disease (PD) population, but these individuals who may phenocopy LRRK2 to various extents probably represent 20% to 30% of the PD population. So, it really has the potential, if [the NEULARK] trial is successful, to impact care for those living with PD."

In Parkinson disease (PD), growing interest in genetically informed therapeutics has heightened the need for efficient identification and engagement of patients who may benefit from targeted clinical trials. Efforts to integrate routine genetic testing, counseling, and trial referral into standard care are increasingly viewed as critical to accelerating the development of disease-modifying therapies while maintaining a patient-centered approach to research participation.

As part of this broader movement, the Parkinson’s Foundation new pilot program, dubbed PD Trial Navigator, was recently launched to support recruitment for the phase 2 NEULARK trial of NEU-411 (Neuron23), which is designed to inhibit LRRK2 in patients with PD.¹ The initiative builds on an existing infrastructure that offers free genetic testing and counseling for individuals with PD, screening for key genes and using a proprietary algorithm to identify those with either confirmed LRRK2 mutations or a LRRK2-driven risk profile. By proactively reaching out to potentially eligible patients, explaining trial expectations, and facilitating direct connection with study sites, the program aims to streamline enrollment.

In a recent interview with NeurologyLive^®, James Beck, PhD, chief scientific officer at the Foundation, further spoke about how the PD Trial Navigator operates in practice and its role in supporting enrollment into NEULARK and similar precision-medicine trials. Beck discussed the genetic testing framework, the concept of identifying patients who “phenocopy” LRRK2-related PD, and how one-on-one navigation can help patients understand clinical research responsibilities and decide whether participation is appropriate for them. In this conversation, he highlighted how this pilot model may help align patient needs with trial demands and potentially accelerating evaluation of emerging LRRK2-directed therapies.

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REFERENCES
1. New Parkinson's Foundation PD Trial Navigator Program Identifies 2,000+ Potential Participants for NEULARK Clinical Trial. News release. Parkinson's Foundation. May 26, 2026. Accessed June 24, 2026. https://www.parkinson.org/about-us/news/pd-trial-navigator