Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the fastest-growing neurological disorder in the world, affecting more than 10 million people globally and nearly 90,000 newly diagnosed individuals in the U.S. each year. Yet despite remarkable progress, a cure remains elusive—and the demand for disease-modifying therapies continues to rise.

At AD/PD 2025, held in Vienna under the theme “Striving for a better future for all those affected by neurodegenerative diseases,” the scientific community came together to advance that mission. With more than 140 sessions covering everything from translational models to biomarker integration and big data analytics, the conference was a testament to just how far the field has come—and how much collaboration will be needed to take the next step.

Scientific Insights from ADPD 2025: Expanding the Landscape of Neurodegenerative R&D

The sessions showcased bold innovation across multiple fronts:

• Biomarkers and Early Diagnosis
  Several symposia—including “Taking the Lead in Timely Diagnosis of AD” and “Fluid Biomarkers and Multimodal Imaging”—emphasized the critical role of biomarkers in early detection and trial stratification. While these sessions focused heavily on Alzheimer’s, the translational potential for Parkinson’s was evident, especially in discussions around alpha-synuclein, tau, and synaptic biomarkers.The Michael J. Fox Foundation reinforced this momentum, echoing the need to define Parkinson’s biologically—similar to Alzheimer’s—in order to usher in the biomarker era of PD.
• Neuroinflammation and Immune Mechanisms
  Chairs from the “Immunity and Inflammation in Neurodegeneration” symposium explored astroglial and microglial dynamics, connecting immune dysfunction to disease progression. This aligns closely with TFS’s approach to studying neuroinflammatory markers in CNS trials, particularly in combination therapies.
• Cell and Gene Therapies
  Programs like Bayer’s BlueRock cell therapy and Lilly’s gene therapy continued to dominate discussions. At the “Cell Replacement Therapy & Diagnostics” session, researchers highlighted advances in restoring lost neuronal function—particularly dopaminergic pathways—which could reframe the therapeutic trajectory for Parkinson’s.
• Genetics and Multi-Omics
  In “Ancestry and Genetics of Neurodegeneration” and “Big Data to Transform the Future of Neurodegenerative Therapeutics,” researchers explored APOE variants, LRRK2, and GBA mutations—all of which are increasingly used for patient stratification in clinical trials. The FNIH and GNPC sessions also spotlighted how multi-omic datasets are being used to define molecular subtypes of Parkinson’s, offering more precise targeting in trial design.
• Translational Models and Trial Innovation
  “Translational Drug Discovery and Experimental Models” and “Mouse Models of Alzheimer’s, Tauopathies & Parkinson’s” highlighted the move toward more predictive preclinical models. These translational insights, paired with adaptive trial frameworks like real-world data integration and digital endpoints, are shaping the future of trial delivery.

Explore 5 promising therapies moving Parkinson’s research forward.

Turning Science Into Trial Success

One of the clearest takeaways from ADPD 2025 was that advancement requires integration—of biomarkers, real-world data, advanced imaging, and novel endpoints. But none of these can succeed without operational execution. As new therapies move into the clinic, experienced partners like TFS can provide measurable value to trial sponsors are grappling with:

• Complex inclusion criteria based on genetic or biomarker status

• Difficult-to-enroll early-stage populations

• Highly specialized investigator sites

• Long-term follow-up for disease-modifying effects

Learn more about our Neuroscience CRO Expertise. 

TFS: Your Neuroscience CRO Partner

With more than 20 years of experience in neuroscience clinical trials, TFS brings a proven ability to operationalize even the most complex neurodegenerative studies, supporting sponsors at every step:

• Protocol design and regulatory insight informed by deep therapeutic knowledge

• Patient-centric recruitment strategies tailored to neurodegenerative conditions

• Flexible delivery models including FSP and full-service support

• Dedicated site networks with proven enrollment and retention in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s studies

A Shared Purpose: World Parkinson’s Day 2025

As the field accelerates, April’s World Parkinson’s Day serves as a timely reminder of the human side of science. It honors the patients, families, clinicians, and research teams who are transforming hope into action.

At TFS, we’re proud to stand with the global PD community—not just in recognition, but in action.

The path forward in Parkinson’s disease research is no longer linear. It’s dynamic, cross-disciplinary, and global. And it requires partners who can adapt just as quickly as the science evolves.

If you are looking to accelerate your Parkinson’s or neuroscience program, consider partnering with TFS to advance your neuroscience pipeline from discovery to delivery.