EAN 2022 | Latest approaches to improve the delivery of levodopa

Levodopa remains the most effective Parkinson’s disease (PD) medication since its approval in the 70s and is given as the standard of care for the treatment of motor symptoms. Numerous preparations have been investigated over this time period in attempts to negate adverse events associated with its use, most notably motor fluctuations and dyskinesia. These side effects can have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life. Recent studies have implicated pulsatile administration as one of the reasons behind motor fluctuations and thus, continuous delivery methods are under investigation as a way to improve or prevent them. A slow-release preparation of levodopa has undergone clinical study and is under review by the EMA. Subcutaneous continuous delivery and a micropump for continuous oral delivery are also being investigated. This interview took place at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) 2022 Congress in Vienna, Austria.