You don’t need a PhD in biochemistry to understand the exciting developments in Parkinson’s disease (PD) research. This special series by the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) makes PD research and clinical trials accessible—no scientific expertise required. The APDA’s Dr. Rebecca Gilbert along with Dr. Kevin McFarthing—a biochemist, PD clinical-trials expert, and person with PD—will present a three-part series, “Understanding the Science Behind PD Clinical Trials.” The dates are Sept. 23, Oct. 14, and Nov. 12. Register for all three today.
The three-part series breaks down the fundamentals of biology and biochemistry to help you understand promising treatments now being tested in PD clinical trials, with time for your questions. Learn the basics of:
- Cell biology – the neuron, nucleus, DNA, RNA, and proteins
- Gene therapies
- Antisense oligonucleotides (ASO)
- Small interfering RNAs (siRNA)
- Cell-replacement therapies
- Antibody therapies
Episode Topics, Dates, and Registration Links
#1 – Understanding the Neuron & its Nucleus
September 23, 2026
Registration Link
#2 – Understanding DNA & RNA-Based Therapies
October 14, 2026
Registration Link
#3 – Understanding Cell Replacement & Antibody Therapies
November 12, 2026
Registration Link
Recording
Usually within a few days of the event, the recording is available on the APDA’s YouTube channel.
About the presenter:
Dr. Kevin McFarthing is a biochemist, PD clinical-trials expert, and person with PD. Originally a PhD biochemist, Dr Kevin McFarthing’s career included R&D leadership positions in life sciences research products with Amersham, diagnostics with Serono and consumer healthcare with Reckitt Benckiser. He is joint editor of the Clinical Trial Highlights section of the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease and a former member of the Research Committee of Cure Parkinson’s.
Kevin collates the Parkinson’s Hope List, a database of potential therapies in research and clinical stages. He also chairs the Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement group for the Edmond J Safra Accelerating Clinical Trials in Parkinson’s Disease program.
Kevin was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2012 at the age of 55.
About APDA:
The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) by providing the support, education, research, and community that helps everyone impacted by PD live life to the fullest. Through a nationwide grassroots network of Chapters and Information & Referral (I&R) Centers, APDA works tirelessly to raise public awareness of this chronic neurologic movement disorder and deliver outstanding patient services, resources, and educational and wellness programs to the approximately one million people living with PD in the United States and their care partners and families. Envisioning a world without PD, APDA’s national research program and Centers for Advanced Research aim to provide better treatments and unlock the mysteries of the disease. APDA is also committed to advancing public policy solutions that improve lives and move us toward a cure. Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $338 million in its efforts to support the PD community.