L-DOPA INHALER RAPIDLY IMPROVES PARKINSON’S DISEASE

6th January 2018 - New research

Background : The L-dopa inhaler CVT-301 is presently being assessed for its use in Parkinson’s Disease. It is designed to deliver a precise dose of a dry powder formulation of L-dopa. Inhaled L-dopa enters the body through the lungs and then reaches the brain far more quickly by bypassing the digestive system.

For more information go to : http://www.acorda.com/products/research-development/cvt-301 

Methods : Patients used the L-dopa inhaler CVT-301 up to 3 times per day for OFF episodes. After 2 weeks, the study-drug dose was increased from 35mg to 50 mg. The patients were assessed after 10, 20, 30, and 60 minutes. Results: The L-dopa inhaler was used at an average of 2.1 times per day. The UPDRS Part III score (Parkinson’s Disease symptoms) clearly improved. A treatment effect was already evident after only 10 minutes.

Adverse effects : The most frequently reported adverse events in those using CVT-301 were dizziness, cough, and nausea, each in 7% of patients.

Conclusion : As the effect was already seen after 10 minutes, which is the shortest time assessed, the effect could be even quicker. Consequently, CVT-301 could become of widespread use in Parkinson’s Disease for when a quick effect is needed.

Reference : Movement Disorders [2016] 31 (9) : 1356-1365 (P.A.LeWitt, R.A.Hauser, D.G. Grosset, F.Stocchi, M.H.Saint-Hilaire, A.Ellenbogen, M.Leinonen, N.B.Hampson, T.DeFeo- Fraulini, M.I.Freed, K.D.Kieburtz)

Complete abstract : http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27090868 

http://www.viartis.net/parkinsons.disease/news/180106.pdf