Continuous Drug Delivery Aiming Continuous Dopaminergic Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease

J Parkinsons Dis. 2018;8(s1):S65-S72. doi: 10.3233/JPD-181476.

Abstract

Continuous dopaminergic stimulation in Parkinson's disease (PD) has several advantages over pulsatile, non-continuous, stimulation. These therapies currently consist of pump-based and transcutaneous therapies and are based on a more constant delivery of the dopaminergic drug resulting in continuous dopaminergic stimulation and a more stable treatment effect. Several clinical and experimental observations have shown that continuous stimulation of dopaminergic receptors induces fewer complications, such as dyskinesia, compared to pulsatile stimulation. Currently available non-oral pharmacological continuous therapies in PD include the transdermal Rotigotine (RTG) patch, infusion therapies with Apomorphine and Intrajejunal Levodopa (IJLI) and the Rivastigmine patch. Here we aim to provide a concise review of these current therapies and discuss ongoing and future developments of continuous non-oral pharmacological dopaminergic therapies in PD.

Keywords: Parkinson’s disease; apomorphine; infusion pumps; rivastigmine; rotigotine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiparkinson Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antiparkinson Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Dopamine Agonists / administration & dosage
  • Dopamine Agonists / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Humans
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antiparkinson Agents
  • Dopamine Agonists