Spring / Summer 2024 | Research 9 of a pump-patch that adheres to the skin ( like a nicotine patch ) and injects drugs into the bloodstream through microneedles . In 2017 , Neuroderm was acquired by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation , a successful example of MJFF ’ s de-risking strategy , which funds earlystage projects to prove their merit for deeper investment , or to discontinue them if they aren ’ t viable , conserving resources for more promising approaches .
An expanding repertoire of treatments , including new formulations of levodopa like Neuroderm ’ s , are getting closer to pharmacy shelves , which would be transformative for people throughout the course of Parkinson ’ s . As one Patient Council member said , better drugs would mean less time adjusting medications and “ would allow me a lot more time with family and friends .”
Therapies for Advanced Symptoms Approaching Regulatory Approval
Treatments targeting advanced symptoms are moving through U . S . Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) approval . They include :
Under-the-skin continuous daily infusion for people with advanced PD and symptoms not well controlled by oral medication :
+ Supernus Pharmaceutical Inc . resubmitted their application for infused apomorphine to lessen total daily “ off ” time . In early April , the FDA issued a response letter indicating the application is not ready for approval in its current form ; the company said it will continue to work with the FDA to resubmit the application and is committed to bringing it to market . ( For the latest updates , visit michaeljfox . org .)
+ AbbVie has resubmitted a revised application to the FDA for a new formulation of infused levodopa ; the drug was approved in Canada in February .
+ Neuroderm is expected to submit an application for its liquid levodopa / carbidopa — which received early MJFF funding — to provide consistent medication levels for symptom relief .
Better symptom control for longer periods of time and with fewer doses :
+ Amneal Pharmaceuticals resubmitted an application in February for a pill containing both immediate- and extended-release levodopa and carbidopa , similar to the currently available brand-name Rytary , but reformulated for potentially better absorption and longer lasting effects .
+ Pharma Two B is expected to submit a New Drug Approval application for its drug that combines two approved Parkinson ’ s medications ( pramipexole , the generic of Mirapex and rasagiline , the generic of Azilect ) in low doses to potentially reduce symptoms .