PD GENEration surpasses 30,000 participants, demonstrating Parkinson’s disease-related genetic variants may be more common than previously reported.
Collaboration broadens participation in Parkinson’s genetic research through flexible, patient-centered blood collection.
NEW YORK & MIAMI & SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#ParkinsonsAwarenessMonth–The Parkinson’s Foundation today announced that more than 30,000 people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have enrolled in PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation, revealing new genetic data with the support of Tasso, Inc. The global research study provides genetic testing and genetic counseling at no cost for people diagnosed with PD and reveals new insights into the genetic underpinnings of the disease.
Data from the study reveals that approximately 13 percent of participants carry a PD-related genetic variant. At this scale, the findings provide more insight than ever before of the role genetics may play in PD and reinforce the importance of broad, accessible genetic testing.
“The momentum of PD GENEration reflects both the commitment of the Parkinson’s disease community and the power of accessible testing,” said James Beck, PhD, executive vice president and chief scientific officer of the Parkinson’s Foundation. “By offering flexible ways for people to participate, we are expanding our understanding of Parkinson’s disease at a scale that was previously out of reach and generating insights that can help accelerate new treatments and shape the future of care.”
PD GENEration is expanding, enrolling more than 900 new participants each month. Nearly half of these participants complete blood collection using Tasso’s at-home, patient-centric devices. Fifty PD GENEration sites, representing approximately 89 percent of participating locations, use Tasso’s technology to support enrollment and reduce barriers to participation.
Tasso’s patient-centric blood collection technology removes key participation barriers for people with Parkinson’s disease, including challenges related to travel, mobility, and venipuncture. Adoption of the technology within PD GENEration has more than doubled since 2024, with increasing use in both at-home and in-clinic settings to support participant preference and improve the blood collection experience.
“Tasso was founded on the belief that increasing access to high-quality blood collection can accelerate disease research and improve lives,” said Ben Casavant, PhD., Co-Founder and CEO of Tasso, Inc. “By enabling convenient and comfortable participation in studies like PD GENEration, we are broadening participation in scientific discovery and strengthening research for the Parkinson’s community.”
Researchers increasingly recognize that genetics play a meaningful role in Parkinson’s disease, yet many individuals still face barriers to accessing genetic testing or experience limited access to specialists.
“For people living with Parkinson’s disease, research is hope,” said Rex Polkinghorne, a PD GENEration participant and patient advocate. “But for many people in our community, participating in research isn’t easy and traveling to clinics for blood tests can be a real barrier. PD GENEration gives us a chance to contribute to discoveries that could lead to better treatments and, one day, a cure. Being able to collect blood at home made it possible for me and my father, who also had Parkinson’s Disease, to both take part.”
To learn more about the study, visit Parkinson.org/PDGENEration.
About the PD GENEration Study
PD GENEration is a landmark study offering genetic testing and genetic counseling, at no cost, in English and Spanish, to those living with Parkinson’s disease. PD GENEration is sponsored by the Parkinson’s Foundation with support from the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program, a resource program of the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) initiative. All de-identified data produced from this study is shared with researchers and scientists, most notably with the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2). To learn more about PD GENEration, visit Parkinson.org/PDGENEration or call 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636). For questions about enrollment, email [email protected].
About the Parkinson’s Foundation
The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson’s community. Since 1957, the Parkinson’s Foundation has invested more than $513 million in Parkinson’s research and clinical care. Connect with us on Parkinson.org, Facebook, X, Instagram or call 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).
About Tasso
Tasso is a healthcare technology company that is transforming the traditional blood collection paradigm with a patient-centric approach. The company’s devices enable simple, convenient, and virtually painless blood collection for users. Tasso technology has the power to bring healthcare anywhere, anytime. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Tasso is privately held and funded by grants, investments, and co-development deals with various industry leaders. For more information, please visit www.tassoinc.com.
About Parkinson’s Disease
Affecting more than one million Americans, Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. It is associated with a progressive loss of motor control (e.g., shaking or tremor at rest and lack of facial expression), as well as non-motor symptoms (e.g., trouble sleeping, loss of smell and depression). There is no cure for Parkinson’s and nearly 90,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S.
Contacts
Media Contacts
Parkinson’s Foundation
Melissa Nobles-Gonzalez
(305) 537-9134
[email protected]
Tasso, Inc.
[email protected]
