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I am new to the parkinsn list, a PD veteran of 6+ years, & a volunteer for the Amgen GDNF clinical trials which are being conducted at 6 sites (5 in US & 1 in Canada) In animal studies GDNF showed great promise in increasing the number & size of dopamine brain cells. 48 volunteers will be involved in the study - 8 at each site. the study is divided into 4 groups (called "cohorts") 12 people per cohort, 2 at each site. Cohorts 1 & 2 are underway. I will be in cohort 3 which begins sometime after Mar. 4 if all goes well. Each cohort receives a higher dosage of GDNF (25% received a placebo) This is a "phase 1 1/2" study, the primary purpose being to test the safety & tolerability of the substance so the amount of GDNF being injected is relatively small. I have gathered quite a bit of info. & will be happy to share using this forum if there is a lot of interest. however this will require many keystrokes fr. fingers not as cunning as they once were. If Joy is the only one needing details, perhaps a snail-mail package directly to her will do. KEEP IN MIND: GDNF must be injected directly into the brain; a permanent ICV port & catheter has to be surgically implanted in the patient's head.