Florida Republican Senator Alexis Calatayud is championing Parkinson's disease research with the introduction of bill SB 1800, which aims to establish a comprehensive Parkinson’s Disease Research Program. The proposed legislation emphasizes innovative research alongside support for caregivers, addressing the significant challenges faced by over 1 million Americans and nearly 10 million individuals worldwide living with this chronic neurological disorder.
Common symptoms of Parkinson's disease include tremors, rigidity, and mobility issues. It often manifests after the age of 60, though early-onset Parkinson's can develop in individuals under 50. Annually, approximately 90,000 new cases are diagnosed across the United States. Sadly, there is currently no cure for this debilitating disease, which severely affects the quality of life for many. Well-known figures such as Michael J. Fox and the late Muhammad Ali have brought visibility to the struggles posed by Parkinson's.
Senate Bill 1800 mandates the Florida Department of Health (DOH) to not only create the Parkinson’s Disease Research Program but also establish a registry of participants. The DOH would form the Parkinson's Disease Research Advisory Board, including representatives from leading research institutions, advocacy organizations, caregiver support groups, and healthcare professionals specializing in neurological diseases.
For fiscal year 2025-2026, the bill proposes funding of $20 million sourced from the General Revenue Fund. This amount is earmarked for competitive grants directed at state universities, research institutions, and medical centers engaged actively in Parkinson's research. Another $5 million is designated to establish and expand programs supporting caregivers of those afflicted with the disease, providing resources for respite care, training, and mental health support. Priority within the grants will be granted to innovative therapies targeting potential cures.
By requiring grant recipients to submit annual progress reports to the DOH, the bill ensures accountability and focus on measurable impacts, bolstering the effectiveness of the program. If successfully passed, SB 1800 is slated to take effect on October 1, 2025.
Support for Parkinson's research isn't limited to legislative efforts. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research is actively working on clinical studies to address mobility challenges faced by patients. The foundation recently awarded $1 million to researchers Jocelyne Bloch, MD and Grégoire Courtine, PhD to explore the viability of the ONWARD ARC-IM System. This novel approach aims to help mitigate mobility problems experienced by over 90% of Parkinson's sufferers, many of whom also report falling or balance dysfunction.
The clinical feasibility study, which has already enrolled its first participant, will assess the effectiveness of this spinal stimulation therapy. The first participant was implanted with the ONWARD ARC-IM system in late 2024, and the results may offer substantial insights for future treatments.
Further emphasizing the importance of advancing Parkinson's research, the U.S. Department of Defense has also provided support through approximately $1.5 million earmarked for another investigation using the ONWARD ARC-IM System, with the goal of addressing blood pressure instability—another serious issue faced by many Parkinson's patients.
Dave Marver, CEO of ONWARD Medical, expressed optimism about the potential of the ARC-IM system saying, "There are 10 million people worldwide living with Parkinson's and we are hopeful the ARC-IM System may offer them new and powerful therapeutic options." This shows the breadth of the intersection between innovative medical technology and research aimed at improving quality of life for individuals battling Parkinson’s.
Each of these initiatives is reflective of a broader commitment to enhancing the lives of those affected by Parkinson's disease, placing emphasis on research and care. Legislation such as SB 1800 and the studies funded by organizations like the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Department of Defense represent significant strides toward addressing the urgent needs of patients and caregivers alike.
The future of Parkinson's disease research looks promising, with growing legislative support and innovative studies paving the way for breakthroughs. These efforts are more than just numbers; they represent real hope for millions around the globe.