The ROCK-PD study is a multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized Phase IIa clinical trial that will evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of the Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitor fasudil in patients with Parkinson's disease. It was initiated by an academic research group and is being conducted without the involvement of the pharmaceutical industry.

Why is this study being conducted?

Currently, there are many approved medications that can alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. However, none of these drugs can slow or stop the progression of the disease. In cell culture and animal models of Parkinson's disease, the active ingredient fasudil has been shown to have numerous positive effects: for example, it has been shown to improve the survival of nerve cells and thus motor skills. At the same time, fasudil is a drug that has been approved in Japan for many years for the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage and has a good side effect profile. This gives us the opportunity to investigate in a clinical trial whether patients with Parkinson's disease benefit from treatment with fasudil.

How does the study work?

Patients participating in the ROCK-PD study receive either Fasudil or a placebo, which they take over a period of 3 weeks. The safety, tolerability and efficacy of the study drug are examined during a total of 7 study visits. The last visit takes place 4 weeks after the end of the medication. After all patients have completed the study visits, the data can be analyzed.

Where will this study be conducted?

The ROCK-PD study will be conducted at 15 clinical centers in Germany. The study will be managed by the Deparment of Neurology of the Klinikum rechts der Isar of the Technical University of Munich and the Munich Study Center.