An interview with Georgia Mills: Accelerating the Search for Disease-Modifying Treatments
Biography
Georgia is the Research Project Manager for the Edmond J Safra Accelerating Clinical Trials in Parkinson’s Disease (EJS ACT-PD) Initiative. This landmark programme brings together more than 90 key stakeholders, including patient and public representatives, who have collaborated to design the EJS ACT-PD multi-arm, multi-stage platform trial assessing potential disease-modifying therapies for Parkinson’s. In the current phase of the initiative, Georgia oversees the initiative’s work on trial innovation, long-term sustainability, and global impact.
Please tell me a little about your background.
I began my academic journey in Psychology, graduating with a first-class BSc in 2016. During my degree I was particularly interested in research and neurology, which led me to complete a Master of Research in Clinical Psychology with a neuropsychology placement in 2019. I started my research career as a Research Assistant in the NHS, before moving into Trial Management. In 2021 I joined the Edmond J Safra Accelerating Clinical Trials in Parkinson’s Disease (EJS ACT-PD) project and was thrilled to step into a role that combined my interest in Parkinson’s research with innovative trial design.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
EJS ACT-PD has always strived to be patient-centred, and so my role includes working closely with our brilliant patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) representatives from the Parkinson’s community. Their input has had a huge impact in shaping the design of the trial to ensure it is acceptable and meaningful for people with Parkinson’s. It is important that research opportunities are made available for all, so we are advocating for accessibility, inclusivity, and positive participation experiences throughout the trial. As the world’s largest-ever clinical trial for Parkinson’s, we are also committed to sharing our learning globally to support global progress in Parkinson’s research. I’m proud to be part of such an important project and I enjoy helping to raise awareness of the trial and the importance of co-designing research with the Parkinson’ community.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
I’m passionate about developing research that genuinely makes a difference. Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, and finding a treatment that can slow or stop progression is urgent. EJS ACT-PD was created to tackle exactly this challenge, and being part of it is incredibly motivating. Working with our PPIE representatives and developing research that reflects what matters most to them is also really rewarding. My hope is that this trial is ultimately successful in finding a cure and can provide us with the answers the Parkinson’s community has been waiting for.
What type of goals does individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
I think our PPIE representatives are all passionate about improving research both for themselves, and for future generations. Together, our goal is to create research that is scientifically rigorous while still being acceptable and meaningful for participants.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
Trial participation lasts up to three years. Before joining, potential participants will speak with a trial delivery team to discuss the study, their eligibility, and what participation would involve.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
The trial uses an innovative new type of design called ‘multi-arm, multi-stage’ (or MAMS). This means we can test different treatments at the same time, in separate treatment groups (multi-arm). We can also check treatments at early stages and either continue them to the next testing stage if they appear to be working (multi-stage), or remove them if they do not. We can also add new treatment groups whilst the trial is ongoing, rather than needing to set up a new trial.
This means in a single trial we can get answers about multiple potential treatments, and we can feedback the results to people with Parkinson’s as we go. We have tried to make the trial eligibility criteria as broad as possible, so that we can offer the opportunity to participate in the trial to as many people with Parkinson’s as possible.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
A key goal is to continue improving the trial through new innovations and by using participant’s feedback of their experience of taking part. We also aim to engage more widely with diverse communities to ensure our trial population is representative of people with Parkinson’s across the UK.
What events do you participate in?
Both myself and other members of EJS ACT-PD regularly attend events and conferences to raise awareness of the trial and engage with people with Parkinson’s. These include Cure Parkinson’s Research Updates, Parkinson’s UK Par-Con, the World Parkinson’s Congress, the Movement Disorder Society Congress, and the International Clinical Trials and Methodology Conference, among others.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
If the trial finds a treatment that can slow or stop Parkinson’s progression that will of course have a major impact for caregivers also. In addition, our “Partner Sub-Study” invites partners of participants with Parkinson’s to share information about their wellbeing and quality of life throughout the trial. This helps us understand the broader impact of trial treatments and gives partners an opportunity to contribute their perspectives.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
All trial information can be found on the website: www.ejsactpd.com
To register interest in taking part in the trial: http://www.redcap.link/actpd1
Facebook: @EJS.ACT.PD
Twitter & instagram: @ejs_act_pd
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ejs-act-pd/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgia-mills-6a421915b/
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
By sharing information about the trial within their Parkinson’s networks and encouraging others to get involved. We also occasionally open opportunities for new PPIE representatives to join our groups – these are advertised on our website.
In your opinion what is the key to effective advocacy?
Ensuring that you are collaborating effectively with the Parkinson’s community and listening to what will make the most difference for them. I think this is particularly important for research, where scientific objectives may not always align with what participants feel is most important.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
By investing in innovation that makes research faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective – all key strengths of the MAMS design being used in EJS ACT-PD. Funding disease-modifying trials is also crucial, as they are essential stepping stones on the path from symptom management to finding a cure.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological condition worldwide, with an estimated 25 million people expected to be diagnosed globally by 2025. Raising awareness and accelerating research now is essential, both for today’s Parkinson’s community, and for those who may be affected in the future.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
Yes both relatives of my own and of my friends. Hearing their experiences motivates me even more to help improve Parkinson’s research.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Every single person who takes part in research helps move us closer to answers. The faster we recruit to the trial, the faster we can deliver the results that the Parkinson’s community has been waiting for.
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TogetherForSharon® In memory of my mother, Sharon to voice awareness & hope for a Parkinson’s Disease cure. Sharon’s Son, George