A new injectable drug may change how Parkinson’s disease is treated, offering a weekly alternative to the multiple daily pills currently required. Researchers at the University of South Australia (UniSA) have developed a long-acting gel that steadily delivers key Parkinson’s medications—levodopa and carbidopa—over seven days.
The formulation, which is injected under the skin or into muscle, was detailed in the journal Drug Delivery and Translational Research. It could benefit the more than 8.5 million people worldwide living with Parkinson’s, the second most common neurological disorder.
Parkinson’s causes symptoms like tremors, muscle stiffness, and slow movement. Current treatments rely on oral doses of levodopa several times a day. This frequent dosing can be difficult for older adults or those with trouble swallowing, often leading to inconsistent drug levels and reduced effectiveness.
“Our aim was to simplify treatment and maintain stable medication levels in the body,” said lead researcher Professor Sanjay Garg from UniSA’s Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation. “This once-a-week injection could be a breakthrough for Parkinson’s patients.”
The new injectable uses a biodegradable gel that slowly releases the drugs over a week. It’s made from FDA-approved polymer PLGA and a pH-sensitive ingredient called Eudragit L-100.
Lab tests showed the gel released over 90% of the levodopa and over 81% of the carbidopa within seven days. The implant also degraded by more than 80% during that time and showed no toxicity in safety tests.
PhD researcher Deepa Nakmode, who worked on the project, says the in-situ implant maintains consistent drug levels in the blood. “After years of development, it’s exciting to see this solution reach a stage where it could be tested in patients,” she said. The team has already filed for a patent in Australia.
The injectable is given through a fine 22-gauge needle, making it a simple, non-surgical option. It may also be adaptable for treating other chronic conditions that require long-term drug delivery, including cancer, diabetes, chronic infections, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers are preparing for clinical trials and exploring commercial partnerships to bring the product to market. If successful, this innovation could reduce daily medication burdens and improve the quality of life for millions.
Related topics:
