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levodopa/dopa decarboxylase inhibitor
Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain to replace deficient neurotransmitter levels, while the dopa decarboxylase inhibitor prevents premature conversion in the periphery, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain.
Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain to replace deficient neurotransmitter levels, while the dopa decarboxylase inhibitor prevents premature conversion in the periphery, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain. Used for Parkinson's disease, Restless legs syndrome.
At a glance
| Generic name | levodopa/dopa decarboxylase inhibitor |
|---|---|
| Also known as | L-dopa/DDCI |
| Sponsor | Bial - Portela C S.A. |
| Drug class | Dopamine precursor with peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor |
| Target | Aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (peripheral inhibition); dopamine receptors (central effect) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Levodopa is a precursor to dopamine that crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it is converted to dopamine by the enzyme aromatic amino acid decarboxylase. The co-administered dopa decarboxylase inhibitor (typically carbidopa or benserazide) blocks this enzyme in the periphery but cannot cross the blood-brain barrier itself, ensuring that levodopa reaches the brain before being metabolized and reducing peripheral side effects. This combination increases the effective dose of dopamine available in the central nervous system while minimizing systemic adverse effects.
Approved indications
- Parkinson's disease
- Restless legs syndrome
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Dyskinesia
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Dizziness
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Confusion
Key clinical trials
- Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability Study of ND0612 vs. Oral Immediate Release Levodopa/Carbidopa (IR-LD/CD) in Subjects With Parkinson's Disease Experiencing Motor Fluctuations (PHASE3)
- Early ParkinSon wIth L-DOPA/DDCI and OpicapoNe (EPSILON Study) (PHASE3)
- REALITY MONITORING (NA)
- Follow Up Safety Study of SCH 420814 in Subjects With Parkinson's Disease (P05175) (PHASE2)
- Therapeutic Potential for Intranasal Levodopa in Parkinson's Disease -Off Reversal (PHASE2)
- A Study of the Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety of Opicapone in Subjects With Parkinson's Disease Taking Levodopa. (PHASE1)
- Dyskinesia in Parkinson's Disease (Study P04501) (PHASE2)
- Efficacy and Safety of Opicapone in Clinical Practice (PHASE4)
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 |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |