New Parkinson's Pill Shows Promise in UConn Trial

Bill noticed something unusual in his fifties when his physical therapist pointed out a twitch in his left thumb he'd never seen before. That small observation led to a Parkinson's disease diagnosis that changed his life, but also opened the door to a treatment that could change the future for millions.

Today, Bill is making history as the first Connecticut patient enrolled in a groundbreaking clinical trial at UConn Health. He's testing BHV-8000, an experimental pill that fights Parkinson's disease by targeting brain inflammation rather than just treating symptoms.

The medication works by blocking proteins called TYK2 and JAK1 that spread inflammatory signals throughout the brain and body. By stopping these inflammation messengers, the drug allows the body to heal itself at the molecular level and potentially slow disease progression.

"If proven effective, this would be a first of its kind in Parkinson's disease medication," says Dr. Bernardo Rodrigues, director of UConn Health's Parkinson's Disease Clinic. His team treats over 300 Parkinson's patients annually and believes this approach could be revolutionary.

Bill isn't just sitting around waiting for results. The runner started yoga to maintain his balance and is considering Tai Chi next. He also joined the national PD GENEration registry, donating blood samples to help researchers understand the genetic factors behind the disease that affects more than 10 million people worldwide.

His wife spotted the clinical trial flyer during a routine visit, a fortunate moment that led to his enrollment. Study coordinator Sheila Thurlow guided Bill through both the genetic registry and the clinical trial, drawing his blood while answering questions about the innovative treatment.

Bill took his first pill on February 3, 2026, though neither he nor his doctors know if he received the actual medication or a placebo. He's keeping a detailed daily log of his symptoms, food, medications, and supplements to track any changes.

Why This Inspires

Bill's attitude captures why this story matters beyond medical innovation. "Even if participating in the clinical trial doesn't help me, I hope it helps others now or down the road," he says. His willingness to be a pioneer means future Parkinson's patients might have access to a treatment that doesn't just mask symptoms but actually slows the disease itself.

The trial represents years of research finally reaching patients who need it most. For people diagnosed with early-stage Parkinson's, this could mean more years of independence, less progression, and genuine hope for slowing a disease that previously only got worse.

With 30,000 patients already enrolled in the genetic registry and trials like this moving forward, the path to understanding and treating Parkinson's is accelerating. Bill's first pill might be a small step for one patient, but it's a giant leap toward a future where Parkinson's progression can actually be stopped.