Innovative Weekly Injectable Medication Promises Better Management of Parkinson's Disease

A groundbreaking development in Parkinson's disease treatment introduces a weekly injectable formulation designed to deliver consistent doses of key medications, potentially eliminating the need for multiple daily pills. Researchers from the University of South Australia have engineered this long-acting, biodegradable injection that steadily releases levodopa and carbidopa over seven days, offering a promising alternative for patients. This advancement aims to address common challenges like fluctuating drug levels, side effects, and treatment adherence issues, especially in elderly patients or those with swallowing difficulties.

The innovative injectable, detailed in the journal Drug Delivery and Translational Research, employs an FDA-approved biodegradable polymer combined with a pH-sensitive polymer to ensure controlled, sustained drug release. Laboratory tests confirmed that over 90% of levodopa and 81% of carbidopa are released within a week, with the implant degrading significantly without causing toxicity. The administration requires a fine needle, making it minimally invasive.

Professor Sanjay Garg, the lead researcher, emphasizes that this formulation could revolutionize Parkinson's treatment protocols by reducing dosing frequency and improving medication compliance, leading to better health outcomes. The technology may also be adapted for other chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.

This innovation could represent a significant shift in managing Parkinson's disease, which affects over 8.5 million people globally, by enhancing quality of life through more consistent and convenient treatment options. Clinical trials are anticipated in the near future, with further exploration into commercialization underway.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-weekly-steady-parkinson-medication-daily.html