MSN, Neurology Live highlight UC Parkinson's trial results

MSN and Neurology Live covered the results of a phase 3 trial co-led by a University of Cincinnati researcher that found Parkinson’s disease medication delivered through an infusion pump is safe and effective at reducing symptoms for longer periods of time.

The trial, led by UC's Alberto Espay, MD, found that 24-hour, continuous levodopa delivered through a subcutaneous infusion pump led to nearly two additional hours per day of "on time," or the time when the medication is working and symptoms are lessened, compared to taking levodopa orally.

“Levodopa is a replacement strategy. We all make levodopa, but Parkinson's patients make less of it,” said Espay, co-principal investigator of the trial, James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson’s Disease Research Endowed Chair in UC’s Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine and a physician at the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute. 

“Once approved, this will become an important treatment strategy to consider for patients with Parkinson’s disease experiencing motor fluctuations not adequately controlled with medication,” Espay continued. “Future studies will need to determine the durability of the long-term benefits and whether any safety issues could emerge, as well as how it might compare with deep brain stimulation.”

Read the MSN story, originally published on News Medical.

Read the Neurology Live story.

Healio, Physicians Weekly, Parkinson's News Today and Cleveland.com also covered the research.

Read the Healio story.

Read the Cleveland.com story.

Read the Parkinson's News Today article.

Read the Physicians Weekly article, originally published on Health Day.

Read more about the trial.

Featured photo at top of 3-D illustration of a dopamine molecule. Photo/Dr_Microbe/iStock.