New Initiative to Advance Research for Gender Equitable Therapies for Parkinson’s

The Critical Path Institute (C-Path) has launched a new initiative to advance research about the unique impacts of Parkinson disease (PD) on women and people across the gender and sex spectrum. The initiative, Gender Equitable Medicines for Parkinson’s Disease (GEM-PD), is intended to use advancements in data and technology, such as artificial intelligence and digital health technologies, to facilitate the development of more personalized treatments leading to more equitable approaches to detection, disease management, and therapy for all people with PD.

According to a statement from C-Path, GEM-PD is made possible through the achievements of the Critical Path for Parkinson’s (CPP) Consortium. This global public-private partnership leverages integrated database and digital tools to accelerate drug development and research into the role of biomarkers and genetics in the experiences of people living with PD.

"As someone living with Parkinson's, I'm hopeful that through a better understanding of how the disease affects women uniquely—from disease onset to clinical diagnosis and treatment response—we can develop treatments that truly reflect each person's unique experience," said Sarah Zenner-Dolan, a C-Path advisor who is living with PD. "This initiative gives me hope that future therapies will better address the specific challenges women face with Parkinson's. It's encouraging to see this focus on what matters most to us."