Breakthrough Parkinson’s pill could treat disease early and relieve symptoms without side-effects

The daily capsule comprises a combination of two existing Parkinson’s medications, rasagiline and pramipexole, given at low doses in a slow-release formula, the idea being that the complementary mechanisms work together to increase levels of dopamine in the brain – a key trigger of the disease.

The use of low doses means the drugs won’t cause the unpleasant side effects when used alone at much higher dosage, including nausea, muscle spasms or weakness, dizziness and sleep problems.

In a recent trial, patients who took the new low-dose combination, known as P2B001, experienced the same improvements to their symptoms as seen with a standard treatment, but with significantly fewer side-effects.

If the drug combination is approved by the regulatory authorities, it could mean patients receive drug therapy as soon as they are diagnosed, rather than being monitored until symptoms worsen.

Claire Bale from charity Parkinson’s UK, said of the findings “The results from the recent trial show that giving the two drugs together provides better symptom control than using either alone and seems to have fewer side effects.

“Many people with Parkinson’s take multiple medication throughout the day, so if this new drug could reduce this burden, then that would be a significant step forward.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (jacquelinevance@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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