New Weekly Injectable Drug Could Revolutionize Parkinson’s Treatment
A team of scientists in Australia, led by researchers of Indian origin, has developed a new once-a-week injectable drug for Parkinson’s disease. This innovation could benefit over eight million people worldwide and may replace the need for multiple daily pills.
Taking multiple doses of medication can be challenging, especially for elderly patients or those with difficulty swallowing. It often leads to inconsistent medication levels, more side effects, and reduced effectiveness.
To solve this problem, researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) created a long-acting injectable that delivers a steady dose of levodopa and carbidopa, two essential drugs for managing Parkinson’s. The injectable is administered under the skin or into muscle tissue, and it gradually releases the medication over the course of a week.
This biodegradable formulation ensures consistent medication levels, improving patient adherence and treatment outcomes. Lead researcher Professor Sanjay Garg from UniSA’s Center for Pharmaceutical Innovation said, “Our goal was to simplify treatment and make sure patients get a steady, effective dose. This weekly injection could be a game-changer for Parkinson’s care.”
The injectable combines PLGA, a biodegradable polymer approved by the US FDA, with Eudragit L-100, a pH-sensitive polymer, to control drug release. Laboratory tests showed that more than 90% of the levodopa and 81% of the carbidopa were released over seven days, without significant toxicity.
The injection is administered using a fine 22-gauge needle, minimizing discomfort and removing the need for surgery.
Professor Garg also noted that this technology could be adapted to treat other chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and pain management, offering a new way to deliver drugs for long-term conditions.
This breakthrough offers hope for millions of Parkinson’s patients, simplifying their treatment and improving their quality of life.
