Efficacy of carbidopa-levodopa extended-release capsules (IPX066) in the treatment of Parkinson Disease

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Levodopa is the most efficacious and best-tolerated drug for treating Parkinson’s disease (PD). To improve the treatment of PD, recent research initiatives have aimed to optimize the pharmacokinetic plasma behavior of L-dopa.

Areas covered

This non-systematic, narrative drug evaluation brings the therapeutic value of IPX066 up for discussion. IPX066 is an orally applied levodopa/carbidopa containing formulation with modified drug release. It is rapidly absorbed, similar to conventional immediate-release levodopa preparations. The IPX066 capsule continuously releases levodopa during its passage through the gastrointestinal tract.

Expert opinion

IPX066 provides more constant therapeutic levodopa plasma concentrations over longer periods. Furthermore, the IPX066 study program showed superior efficacy of IPX066 than conventional oral levodopa/carbidopa preparations for the treatment of motor complications, particularly with OFF intervals. IPX066 also reduced the frequency of oral levodopa intake. IPX066 may also improve the patient´s compliance due to its simplified drug regimen. The marketing of IPX066 outside the US is complex since in countries like Germany, health-care payers only consider innovation in terms of mode of action whereas innovation of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties is disregarded.

KEYWORDS:

• Levodopa
• IPX066
• motor complications
• pharmacokinetics

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This manuscript was not funded.