For many people with Parkinson’s disease, “levodopa” is well-known. Parkinson’s disease is a central nervous system disorder caused by the death of dopaminergic neurons. As a precursor to dopamine, levodopa acts as a replacement therapy, improving motor function. Recently, Parkinson’s News Today notes that Ongentys (opicapone) was approved in Japan as an add-on treatment alongside levodopa or carbidopa.
Normally, patients with Parkinson’s disease progress through 5 stages. Levodopa reduces symptoms and slows disease progression. However, “off” episodes, or symptomatic periods, may appear if the body becomes acclimated to levodopa. “Off” episodes may also occur in between treatment periods. Currently, opicapone is uniquely poised to handle these episodes.
Ongentys
Ongentys (opicapone) is a daily, orally-administered drug therapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Beyond Japan, Ongentys is available as an add-on in the United States and in the EU.
Recently, Ono Pharmaceutical, who owns the rights for Ongentys in Japan, announced the approval for the manufacturing and use of Ongentys. Patients may take one 25mg capsule per day under the following conditions:
- One hour before/after receiving levodopa/carbidopa
- One hour before/after eating
The drug is designed for Parkinson’s “off” episodes. According to Parkinson’s News Today:
The period when levodopa has a positive effect on Parkinson’s symptoms is called on-time. Once the medication stops working, a so-called off-episode starts, where symptoms recur.
Over time, levodopa loses effectiveness. As a result, symptoms such as tremors, loss of motor functions, and hallucinations may occur. Ongentys inhibits catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT), an enzyme that breaks down levodopa. As a result, levodopa better impacts the brain.
The drug’s approval followed results from a Phase 2 clinical trial. Overall, the data found:
- Ongentys was safe and well-tolerated.
- The drug reduced off episodes better than placebos.
