Could your own nerves help treat Parkinson's? early trial tests idea

NCT ID NCT02369003

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Craig van Horne, MD, PhD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study is testing whether implanting a small piece of a patient's own nerve tissue into the brain during deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery is safe and doable for people with Parkinson's disease. The nerve tissue contains cells that produce growth factors, which might help protect brain cells. The trial involves 70 participants and focuses on safety and side effects, not yet on whether it improves symptoms.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: autologous peripheral nerve graft (patient's own nerve tissue)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a new way to support brain cells and slow Parkinson's progression alongside standard DBS treatment.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small pilot study focused on safety, not effectiveness. The nerve graft may not provide any benefit, and surgery carries risks like infection or bleeding.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Parkinson disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky, 40536, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.