How Sano Genetics accelerated recruitment for a Parkinson’s disease gene therapy trial

Recruitment for genetically stratified clinical trials is a critical bottleneck for sponsors. Identifying individuals with specific variants, building trust around complex therapies, and keeping people engaged throughout the process can create friction that slows progress.

This case study shows how Sano supported a global pharmaceutical company’s Phase 2 Parkinson’s disease gene therapy trial focused on participants with confirmed GBA1 mutations. Within just four months, Sano had already identified 17 eligible participants, maintained strong engagement through prescreening, and already surpassed the sponsor’s target number of genetic testing kits sent to qualified participants. This accelerated enrollment for the sponsor, leading to expanded recruitment targets.

Challenges that shape Parkinson's recruitment

Parkinson’s disease and gene therapy studies often face predictable hurdles, and Sano monitored these closely throughout the program. Examples include: 

• Referral drop-off linked to administrative delays at sites
• Participant uncertainty around gene therapy and treatment expectations
• Scheduling and logistical barriers that can slow screening

Continuous monitoring and participant support helped maintain momentum and minimized friction at key transition points.

A recruitment strategy built for precision and participant experience

Sano used two coordinated recruitment pathways with integrated participant management support.

Re-engaging patients in the Sano Genetics database

Individuals in the existing Sano Genetics database who met the demographic and genetic criteria received targeted outreach. Many had participated in prior Parkinson’s disease programs and remained interested in new trial opportunities. This high level of engagement, education, and motivation ensured smooth entry into prescreening.

Expanding reach through digital patient-finding

A digital campaign was designed to identify new potential participants. The campaign combined education, prescreening tools and at-home genetic testing workflows to confirm eligibility. This approach increased reach beyond existing contacts and created a larger pool of individuals suitable for recontact in future Parkinson’s disease and gene therapy studies.

Both pathways were supported by genetic testing logistics, counseling, referral tracking and ongoing communication to reduce participant burden and maintain engagement.

Recruitment results

Key outcomes from the first four months include:

• 17 confirmed GBA1 participants identified
  • 9 from the existing Sano Genetics database
  • 8 identified through digital outreach
• 2 participants dosed and progressing well
• Short time from prescreening to enrollment
• First randomized participant scheduled a screening visit on the same day as site activation

Operational highlights

• Projected to exceed the contracted genetic testing kit volume by 70%
• Rapid site activation, leading to immediate enrollment
• High participant engagement, including strong attendance at genetic counseling and low attrition
• Performance of the digital campaign indicates a sustainable source of future participants for additional programs

Program impact

This program shows how Sano can deliver rapid and high-quality recruitment for rare and genetically defined populations. In four months, Sano Genetics exceeded early expectations and created a scalable framework for future Parkinson’s disease and gene therapy studies. The platform supported efficient database querying, streamlined prescreening and testing workflows, and strong participant engagement through the portal. These capabilities will continue to grow as Sano advances automated cohorting and site management tools.