Continuous Subcutaneous Levodopa Delivery for Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Study

J Parkinsons Dis. 2021;11(1):177-186. doi: 10.3233/JPD-202285.

Abstract

Background: ND0612 is a continuous, subcutaneous levodopa/carbidopa delivery system in development for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) experiencing motor fluctuationsObjective:Evaluate the efficacy and safety of two ND0612 dosing regimens in patients with PD.

Methods: This was a 28-day open-label study (NCT02577523) in PD patients with ≥2.5 hours/day of OFF time despite optimized treatment. Patients were randomized to treatment with either a 24-hour infusion (levodopa/carbidopa dose of 720/90 mg) or a 14-hour 'waking-day' infusion (levodopa/carbidopa dose of 538/68 mg plus a morning oral dose of 150/15 mg). Supplemental oral doses of levodopa were permitted for patients in both groups if required. In-clinic assessments of OFF time (primary endpoint) and ON time with or without dyskinesia were determined by a blinded rater over 8 hours (normalized to 16 hours).

Results: A total of 38 patients were randomized and 33 (87%) completed the study. Compared to baseline, OFF time for the overall population was reduced by a least squares (LS) mean[95% CI] of 2.0[- 3.3, - 0.7] hours (p = 0.003). ON time with no/mild dyskinesia (no troublesome dyskinesia) was increased from baseline by a LS mean of 3.3[2.0, 4.6] hours (p < 0.0001), and ON time with moderate/severe dyskinesia was reduced by a LS mean of 1.2[- 1.8, - 0.5] hours (p≤0.001). Reduction in OFF time was larger in the 24-hour group (- 2.8[- 4.6, - 0.9] hours; p = 0.004) than in the 14-hour group (- 1.3[- 3.1, 0.5] hours; p = 0.16). Complete resolution of OFF time was observed in 42% (n = 8) of patients in the 24-hour group. Infusion site reactions were the most common adverse event.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of continuous subcutaneous delivery of levodopa as a treatment for PD and provides preliminary evidence of efficacy.

Keywords: Motor fluctuations; ND0612; Parkinson’s disease; subcutaneous levodopa infusion.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antiparkinson Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiparkinson Agents / adverse effects
  • Antiparkinson Agents / pharmacology*
  • Carbidopa / administration & dosage
  • Carbidopa / adverse effects
  • Carbidopa / pharmacology*
  • Drug Combinations
  • Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced / etiology
  • Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced / physiopathology*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Parenteral
  • Levodopa / administration & dosage
  • Levodopa / adverse effects
  • Levodopa / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Single-Blind Method

Substances

  • Antiparkinson Agents
  • Drug Combinations
  • carbidopa, levodopa drug combination
  • Levodopa
  • Carbidopa