Levodopa in Parkinson's Disease: Current Status and Future Developments.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ever since the pioneering reports in the 60s, L-3,4-Dioxyphenylalanine (levodopa) has represented the gold standard for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease (PD). However, long-term levodopa (LD) treatment is frequently associated with fluctuations in motor response with serious impact on patient quality of life. The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of LD are pivotal to such motor fluctuations: discontinuous drug delivery, short half-life, poor bioavailability, and narrow therapeutic window are all crucial for such fluctuations. During the last 60 years, several attempts have been made to improve LD treatment and avoid long-term complications.

Methods

Research and trials to improve the LD pharmacokinetic since 1960s are reviewed, summarizing the prog

SUBMITTER: Tambasco N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6187751 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature