Efficacy

Ongentys (Opicapone) in Parkinson's Disease

Ongentys, with the active ingredient opicapone, is a medication approved for the treatment of Parkinson's disease as an adjunct therapy. It is a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor that works by prolonging the effect of levodopa, which is a primary treatment for Parkinson's disease. Opicapone is specifically designed to be used in conjunction with levodopa/carbidopa to enhance motor function and control in patients experiencing "off" episodes, where the effects of levodopa wear off and symptoms return before the next dose.

Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of opicapone in reducing "off" time for patients with Parkinson's disease. These studies have shown that opicapone, when added to a stable dose of levodopa, significantly increases "on" time without troublesome dyskinesia compared to placebo. The improvement in motor function is attributed to the sustained levels of levodopa in the bloodstream, as opicapone inhibits its breakdown.

Inbrija (Levodopa) in Parkinson's Disease

Inbrija is an inhaled form of levodopa that is used to treat "off" episodes in people with Parkinson's disease who are already taking carbidopa/levodopa medication. Levodopa is the precursor to dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is deficient in the brains of Parkinson's patients. By administering levodopa, the brain can produce more dopamine, which helps to alleviate the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease such as tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement.

The efficacy of Inbrija has been evaluated in clinical trials where it was shown to provide rapid relief from "off" episodes. Patients using Inbrija experienced a significant improvement in motor function within 30 minutes of administration, with effects lasting up to an hour. This rapid onset of action is particularly beneficial for patients who need quick relief from sudden and unpredictable "off" periods that occur despite ongoing oral levodopa/carbidopa therapy.