Scientists make Parkinson's breakthrough with new weekly injectable drug
The new treatment, which helps with muscle tremors, could potentially replace the need for multiple daily tablets, making life simpler and easier for those living with the condition.
Scientists from the University of South Australia (UniSA) developed a long-acting injectable formulation that delivers a steady dose of levodopa and carbidopa - two key medications for Parkinson's - to last an entire week.
The medication comes in the form of a biodegradable gel that can be injected under the skin or into muscle tissue, where it gradually releases the drugs over a week-long period.
Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurological disorder, affecting more than 8.5 million people worldwide. There are approximately 13,000 people living with Parkinson's disease in Scotland, according to Parkinson's UK.
Currently there is no cure, and the many symptoms of the condition, including tremors, rigidity and slow movement, are currently managed with pills that must be taken several times a day.
But scientists believe the newly developed injection for Parkinson's could revolutionise how the disease is treated, and change the lives of those living with the condition.
Lead researcher Professor Sanjay Garg, from UniSA's Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation, said: "Our goal was to create a formulation that simplifies treatment, improves patient compliance, and maintains consistent therapeutic levels of medication.
"This weekly injection could be a game-changer for Parkinson's care. Levodopa is the gold-standard therapy for Parkinson's, but its short life span means it must be taken several times a day."
But the new drug can stop the constant hassle of taking multiple pills every day.
The jab can maintain consistent plasma levels in the body by slowly releasing both levodopa and carbidopa steadily throughout the week, which also reduces the risks associated with fluctuating drug concentrations.
UniSA PhD student Deepa Nakmode said: "After years of focused research, it's incredibly rewarding to see our innovation in long-acting injectables for Parkinson's disease reach this stage. Our invention has now been filed for an Australian patent."
The injectable gel combines an FDA-approved biodegradable polymer named PLGA with Eudragit L-100, which is a pH-sensitive polymer. This ensures a controlled and sustained drug release into the body.
Prof Garg concluded: "The implications of this research are profound. By reducing the frequency of dosing from multiple times a day to a weekly injection is a major step forward in Parkinson's therapy.
"We're not just improving how the drug is delivered; we're improving patients' lives."
The scientist says this new technology could also be adapted for other chronic conditions such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, pain management, and chronic infections.
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