Last reviewed · How we verify
Inbrija (LEVODOPA)
Levodopa works by crossing the blood-brain barrier and being converted into dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate movement and coordination.
At a glance
| Generic name | LEVODOPA |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Merz |
| Drug class | Aromatic Amino Acid [EPC] |
| Target | Tyrosine-protein kinase Fyn |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neuroscience |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
| First approval | 1970 |
Mechanism of action
Levodopa, the metabolic precursor of dopamine, crosses the blood-brain barrier and presumably is converted to dopamine in the brain. This is thought to be the mechanism whereby levodopa relieves symptoms of Parkinsons disease.
Approved indications
- Parkinson's disease
- Parkinsonism
- Postencephalitic parkinsonism
Common side effects
- Cough
- Nausea
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Sputum discolored
- Vomiting
- Nasopharyngitis
- Bronchitis/pneumonia
- Dyskinesia
- Headache
- Fall
- Laceration
- Skin abrasion
Drug interactions
- linezolid
- phenelzine
- procarbazine
- risperidone
- selegiline
- tranylcypromine
Key clinical trials
- Efficacy and Safety Study of CVT-301 In Parkinson's Disease Patients With OFF Episodes (PHASE3)
- Randomized Safety Study of CVT-301 Compared to an Observational Control Group (PHASE3)
- Diagnosis of Pheochromocytoma (PHASE1)
- PET Scanning in Parkinson s Disease
- Clinical Laboratory Evaluation of Chronic Autonomic Failure
- Cortical Electrophysiology of Response Inhibition in Parkinson's Disease (PHASE4)
- Dopamine Modulation of Motivation and Motor Function in Major Depression & Inflammation (NA)
- An Investigational Scan (18F-DOPA PET/CT) for Improving the Clinical Management of Brain Tumors (PHASE2)
Patents
| Patent | Expiry | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 12458615 | 2033-10-21 | Method of Use |
| RE43711 | 2029-02-03 | Method of Use |
| 8685442 | 2032-11-16 | Formulation |
| 8945612 | 2032-11-16 | Formulation |
| 8545878 | 2032-11-16 | Formulation |
| 9393210 | 2032-11-16 | Formulation |
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| FDA label | Mechanism, indications, dosing, boxed warnings, drug interactions |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
| FDA Orange Book | Patents + exclusivity |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Inbrija CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Inbrija updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Merz portfolio CI