SECTION 1 : PROGRESS
Novel Approaches to Parkinson ’ s Symptoms
THE MICHAEL J . FOX FOUNDATION 2022 IN REVIEW
New Ways to Take Levodopa Levodopa / carbidopa , the gold-standard PD medication since its discovery in the 1960s , nonetheless brings disruptive side effects ( such as dyskinesia ) which tend to worsen as the disease progresses . Researchers have pursued improved formulations of levodopa to help patients continue to benefit from the drug while avoiding unwanted drug effects . In 2022 , Avion Pharmaceuticals introduced the latest reformulation , an easy-to-break tablet ( Dhivy ), which allows for highly precise doses to meet individual needs . Drugmaker AbbVie has submitted its under-the-skin infusion formulation of levodopa for regulatory approval , which was awaited as this report went to press .
Studying the Effect of Sleep Position People with PD can have a drop in blood pressure when rising to a standing position and low blood pressure when lying down , which can lead to falls and other harmful events . Scientists in the Netherlands are studying whether sleeping in a head-up tilt position , a simple and drug-free intervention , may help ease these issues .
Treating Gait Issues in Parkinson ’ s This year , our Foundation hosted a workshop with drug companies , researchers and other specialists focused on walking and balance issues — among the hardest-to-treat and most troublesome symptoms of PD . While the benefits of physical therapy were widely agreed on , Tokyo-based biotech company Takeda is testing another strategy : an investigational drug to help people walk with better balance and avoid falls . Results from tests of TAK 071-2002 are expected in 2023 .
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