Positive results from trial of inhalable levodopa
A new inhalable form of the drug levodopa, called CVT-301, could help people with Parkinson's who experience sudden 'off periods' when their medication stops working, according to results from a clinical trial by pharmaceutical company Acorda Therapeutics.
Parkinson's UK supported the phase 3 trial by highlighting the opportunity to take part to people affected by the condition.
More about CVT-301
People with Parkinson's can experience troublesome fluctuations when they go from having good control of their symptoms to having less control, known as 'off periods'.
Current medication for Parkinson's can take a long time to take effect as it needs to get through the digestive system before reaching the brain.
People with Parkinson's can experience troublesome fluctuations when they go from having good control of their symptoms to having less control, known as 'off periods'.
This inhalable form of levodopa delivers the drug straight to the lungs, bypassing the digestive system, so it gets to the brain and can help with 'off periods' more quickly.
About the trial
In this study, 339 people with Parkinson's who experience 'off periods' received either CVT-301 or a placebo over 12 weeks.
Those taking CVT-301 had a greater improvement in movement symptoms during 'off periods' than those taking the placebo after this period.
How will this help people with Parkinson's?
Our Research Communications Officer, Sophie Mclachlan, comments:
These results suggest that inhalable levodopa could be used as an effective way to help people manage 'off periods' and provide them with a greater level of control over their symptoms.
"People with Parkinson's can experience troublesome fluctuations when they go from having good control of their symptoms to having less control. These 'off periods' can have a major impact on quality of life.
"These promising trial results suggest that inhalable levodopa could be used as an effective way to help people manage 'off periods' and provide them with a greater level of control over their symptoms."
When will CVT-301 be available?
2 further studies looking at the long-term safety of CVT-301 are underway and the results are expected in March 2017.
If these studies are successful, the company plans to apply for approval to market the drug in the US and Europe towards the end of 2017.