Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

subcutaneous apomorphine

Subcutaneous apomorphine is a dopamine agonist that stimulates dopamine receptors in the brain to rapidly relieve motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Subcutaneous apomorphine is a dopamine agonist that stimulates dopamine receptors in the brain to rapidly relieve motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Used for Acute motor fluctuations ('off' episodes) in advanced Parkinson's disease.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Apomorphine acts as a non-selective dopamine receptor agonist, primarily binding to D1 and D2 dopamine receptors. In Parkinson's disease, dopamine-producing neurons degenerate, leading to motor dysfunction; apomorphine bypasses this deficit by directly activating dopamine receptors. The subcutaneous formulation provides rapid onset of action, making it particularly useful for acute motor fluctuations and 'off' episodes in advanced Parkinson's disease patients.

Approved indications

• Acute motor fluctuations ('off' episodes) in advanced Parkinson's disease

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Injection site reactions
• Dyskinesia
• Dizziness
• Hypotension

Key clinical trials

• Interest of Continuous Subcutaneous Apomorphine in Parkinsonian Patients at the End of Life
• SAD Study in Patients With Parkinson's Disease and Motor Fluctuations (PHASE1)
• Clinical Trial of Intranasal Delivery of NT-301 (PHASE1)
• Blinking and Yawning in Epilepsy: The Role of Dopamine (NA)
• Real-World Patient Experiences Using Continuous Subcutaneous Apomorphine Infusion (ONAPGOTM) in the United States:
• Infusion of Apomorphine: Long-term Safety Study (PHASE3)
• Monocentric, Prospective Study to Assess the Pharmacokinetic Profile of Continuous and Diurnal Subcutaneous Apomorphine Infusion in Patients With Parkinson's Disease (PHASE4)
• Apomorphine in Severe Brain-injured Patients (PHASE2, PHASE3)

Primary sources

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