Innovative Weekly Injectable Treatment Could Replace Daily Pills for Parkinson's Patients

Scientists in Australia have developed a promising new long-acting injectable therapy for Parkinson’s disease that could significantly simplify treatment regimens. Traditionally, patients need to take multiple pills daily to manage symptoms caused by dopamine deficiency in the brain.

The new treatment combines levodopa and carbidopa into a single, weekly implantable injection, which slowly releases the medication over seven days. This novel delivery system may improve medication adherence, reduce side effects, and enhance quality of life for those affected by Parkinson’s.

About Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting about 1.1 million Americans and over 10 million worldwide, predominantly diagnosed after age 50. It occurs when nerve cells in the substantia nigra cease producing sufficient dopamine, leading to symptoms like tremor, muscle stiffness, slowed movement, and balance issues.

Current Treatments and Challenges

The main treatments include levodopa and carbidopa, which are usually taken multiple times daily. These medications help alleviate symptoms but require careful timing and dietary management to maximize effectiveness.

How the New Injection Works

The innovative implant is created using organic polymers and a solvent, designed to release drugs gradually over a week. After testing in the lab and pig tissue, the implant demonstrated the ability to deliver up to 90% of the medication over 7 days, breaking down completely within two weeks. When injected into muscle tissue, pores formed on the implant’s surface, allowing smooth drug diffusion.

Potential Benefits and Considerations

If proven safe and effective in humans, this implant could reduce the daily medication burden, particularly for elderly patients, and improve symptom control. However, experts highlight potential challenges, including dosing precision, injection site reactions, and the need for extensive clinical trials.

Next Steps

This is an early-stage development, requiring further animal and human testing to establish safety, efficacy, and optimal dosing. Nonetheless, this approach offers a promising avenue to transform Parkinson’s treatment and ease the treatment process for many.

“A weekly injectable therapy for Parkinson’s disease could reduce the burden of frequent medication dosing and may improve quality of life.” — Jamie Adams, MD

The full findings are published in the journal Drug Delivery and Translational Research.