FDA Approves Neupro Patch for Parkinson's Disease

The Neupro Patch is Designed to Treat Early Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a debilitating illness that results from the loss of dopamine- producing brain cells. The disease affects more than 1.5 million people Americans, with around 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year. What is a timely celebration of the National Parkinson Foundation's 50^th anniversary where "Hope is Golden," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it has approved the Neupro Patch to treat early symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The Neupro Patch contains rotigotine, which belongs to the dopamine agonist class of drugs. It has not previously been approved for use in the United States.

Schwartz Bioscience, located at Research Triangle Park in North Carolina, manufactures the Neupro Patch. The silicone-based patch, replaced every 24 hours, will continuously deliver doses of rotigotine through the skin. The rotigotine works by activating dopamine receptors in the body, mimicking the effects of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Studies done during the approval process included 1,154 patients with early Parkinson's disease who were not taking other medications for Parkinson's disease.

The most common side effects of the Neupro Patch included skin reactions at the patch site, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and insomnia. Almost all of these symptoms are common when using this class of drug. Some of the potential safety concerns that should be noted are sleepiness, hallucinations, and decreased blood pressure while standing.