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Last Updated: April 18, 2025

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR LEVODOPA


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505(b)(2) Clinical Trials for Levodopa

This table shows clinical trials for potential 505(b)(2) applications. See the next table for all clinical trials
Trial Type Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
New Formulation NCT00363727 ↗ Onset Motor Complications Using REQUIP CR (Ropinirole Controlled-release) As Add-on Therapy To L-dopa In Parkinson's Completed GlaxoSmithKline Phase 3 2003-12-01 This study evaluates how effective a new formulation of a marketed drug is in increasing the time to onset of dyskinesia (abnormal twisting, writhing movements) in patients with Parkinson's Disease who have been taking levodopa for less than 2 years.
New Formulation NCT00640159 ↗ Tolerability and Efficacy of Switch From Oral Selegiline to Orally Disintegrating Selegiline (Zelapar) in Patients With Parkinson's Disease Completed Baylor College of Medicine Phase 4 2007-01-01 Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Symptomatic therapy is primarily aimed at restoring dopamine function in the brain. Oral selegiline in conjunction with L-dopa has been a mainstay of therapy for PD patients experiencing motor fluctuations for many years. The mechanisms accounting for selegiline's beneficial adjunctive action in the treatment of PD are not fully understood. Inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO) type B (MAO-B) activity is generally considered to be of primary importance. Oral selegiline has low bio-availability and is typically dosed BID, for a total of 5-10 mg daily. Recently, the FDA approved a new orally disintegration tablet (ODT) formulation of selegiline, called ZelaparTM. This new formulation utilizes Zydis technology to dissolve in the mouth, with absorption through the oral mucosa, thereby largely bypassing the gut and avoiding first pass hepatic metabolism. This allows more active drug to be delivered at a lower dose. Consequently, Zelapar is dosed once-daily, up to 2.5 mg per day. There are no empirical data indicating whether the use of the new approved formulation of selegiline ODT (Zelapar) is superior or preferred by patients compared to traditional oral selegiline. It is believed that clinical efficacy will be preserved or enhanced, by delivering more active drug, with improved patient preference for the ODT formulation due to the once-daily dosing . The effectiveness of orally disintegrating selegiline as an adjunct to carbidopa/levodopa in the treatment of PD was established in a multicenter randomized placebo-controlled trial (n=140; 94 received orally disintegrating selegiline, 46 received placebo) of three months' duration. Patients randomized to orally disintegrating selegiline received a daily dose of 1.25 mg for the first 6 weeks and a daily dose of 2.5 mg for the last 6 weeks. Patients were all treated with levodopa and could additionally have been on dopamine agonists, anticholinergics, amantadine, or any combination of these during the trial. At 12 weeks, orally disintegrating selegiline-treated patients had an average of 2.2 hours per day less "OFF" time compared to baseline. Placebo treated patients had 0.6 hours per day less "OFF" time compared to baseline. These differences were significant (p < 0.001). Adverse events were very similar between drug and placebo.
New Combination NCT01766258 ↗ Efficacy and Safety Proof of Concept Study in Patients With Parkinson's Disease and End-of-dose Motor Fluctuations Completed Orion Corporation, Orion Pharma Phase 2 2011-05-01 The primary objective of the study is to assess the efficacy, carbidopa dose response and safety of ODM-101, a new combination of levodopa, carbidopa and entacapone in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with end-of-dose motor fluctuations.
>Trial Type >Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

All Clinical Trials for Levodopa

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00001929 ↗ Treatment of Parkinson's Disease With Eliprodil Completed National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Phase 2 1999-03-01 Patients with Parkinson's disease are missing the chemical neurotransmitter dopamine. This occurs as a result of destructive changes in an area of the brain responsible for making dopamine, the basal ganglia. Patients with the disease experience, rigid muscles, stooped posture, and a shuffling-type walk (gait). In this study researchers plan to evaluate the effectiveness of the drug eliprodil for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. Eliprodil works by blocking special receptors (NMDA) that are associated with the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease.
NCT00004576 ↗ Study of LY300164 for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease Completed National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Phase 2 2000-02-01 This study will test the effectiveness of an experimental drug called LY300164 on improving Parkinson's disease symptoms, such as movement impairments and tremor, as well as involuntary movements produced by long-term treatment with levodopa. Patients with relatively advanced (Stage II to IV) Parkinson's disease between 30 and 75 years of age may be eligible for this 8-week study. Participants will have a complete medical history and physical examination, including blood tests and an electrocardiogram, and possibly brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT scan, and chest X-ray. Patients will stop taking all anti-parkinsonism medications except levodopa (Sinemet) and the experimental drug during the study. For the first 1 to 3 days, patients will be in the hospital for a levodopa "dose-finding" procedure. For this study, levodopa is infused through a vein for up to 8 hours, with symptoms monitored frequently to determine the doses that will produce two results: 1) the dose that is less than what is needed to relieve symptoms, and 2) the dose that relieves symptoms, but may produce dyskinesias. When these dose rates are determined, patients will begin treatment in one of two groups. One will take LY300164 3 times a day, along with levodopa, for 3 weeks. The second group will take placebo tablets (a look-alike tablet with no active ingredient) and levodopa on the same schedule as the LY300164 group. A brief medical examination and routine blood and urine tests will be done weekly. The drug dose will be increased every 3 to 4 days until significant side effects occur or the maximal dose is reached. Patients will be closely monitored for 4 hours after every increase. At the end of the 3 weeks, or when the maximal dose is reached, patients will be readmitted to the hospital for 2 to 3 days for a second levodopa dose-finding study, while continuing on LY300164 or placebo. After this test, patients will resume taking levodopa and the experimental drug or placebo as before for another 2 weeks. At the end of the 2-weeks, the entire procedure will be repeated in both groups, but the treatments will be switched-that is, the patients who were taking LY300164 will now take placebo, and the patients who took placebo will now take the drug. At the end of the second 3 weeks, the levodopa infusion procedure will be repeated once more. Throughout the study, parkinsonism symptoms and dyskinesias will be evaluated and blood samples will be drawn periodically to measure drug levels.
NCT00004731 ↗ Parkinson's Disease Treatment With Coenzyme Q10 Completed National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Phase 2 1998-09-01 The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of varying dosage of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) versus a placebo in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) in patients with early, untreated PD.
NCT00004733 ↗ Timing of Levodopa Treatment in Parkinson's Disease Completed National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Phase 3 1998-01-01 The ELLDOPA study is a controlled clinical trial in patients with newly diagnosed PD to determine the optimal timing and dosing with levodopa (Sinemet or its generic equivalents).
NCT00006077 ↗ Effects of Monoamine Reuptake Inhibitor NS2330 in Parkinson's Disease Completed National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Phase 2 2000-08-01 This study will evaluate the effects of an experimental drug called NS2330 on Parkinson's disease symptoms and on dyskinesias (involuntary movements) that develop as a result of long-term treatment with levodopa. This drug prevents the neurotransmitter dopamine from entering nerve cells. Patients between 18 and 75 years old who have moderately advanced Parkinson's disease and motor problems resulting from levodopa therapy may be eligible for this 5-week study. Candidates will have a complete medical history and physical examination with a detailed neurological evaluation. If needed, some patients will undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scan of the brain and a chest X-ray. All patients will have blood and urine tests and an electrocardiogram (EKG) and will take a written test for evaluation of depression. Patients enrolled in the study will, if possible, stop taking all antiparkinson medications except levodopa (Sinemet) for one month before the study begins and through its duration. For the first 1 to 3 days, patients will undergo a levodopa "dose-finding" procedure. For this study, patients will stop taking their usual oral levodopa medicine and instead will have levodopa infused through a vein for up to 12 hours. During the infusions, the drug dose will be increased slowly until either 1) parkinsonism symptoms improve, 2) dyskinesias appear, 3) unacceptable side effects occur, or 4) the maximum study dose is reached. When the patient's optimal dose is determined, treatment will begin. Patients will take three pills containing NS2330 or placebo (a look-alike pill with no active ingredient) 3 days a week for up to 5 weeks, in addition to their regular levodopa medication. All participants will receive placebo at some point in the study; some patients will receive only placebo throughout the entire 5 weeks. On treatment days, patients will have a brief medical examination before receiving the drug and will then be monitored for side effects for about 6 to 8 hours after taking the drug. At the beginning of weeks 2 and 5, the levodopa infusions will be repeated at the previously determined optimum rate. Throughout the study, parkinsonism symptoms, dyskinesias and depression will be evaluated. Blood and urine samples will be collected each week for standard safety tests, and blood will also be drawn periodically to measure NS2330 levels.
NCT00006337 ↗ KW-6002 to Treat Parkinson's Disease Completed National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Phase 2 2000-10-01 This study will evaluate the effects of an experimental drug called KW-6002 on Parkinson's disease symptoms and on dyskinesias (involuntary movements) that develop as a result of long-term treatment with levodopa. This drug blocks the action of the neurotransmitter adenosine, thought to be involved in producing Parkinson's symptoms. Patients with relatively advanced (Stage II to IV) Parkinson's disease between 30 and 80 years of age may be eligible for this 7-week study. Participants will have a complete medical history and physical examination, including blood tests and an electrocardiogram, and possibly brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT scan, and chest X-ray. Patients enrolled in the study will, if possible, stop taking all antiparkinsonian medications except levodopa (Sinemet) for one month before the study begins and throughout its duration. For the first 1 to 3 days, patients will be admitted to the NIH Clinical center to undergo a levodopa "dose-finding" procedure. For this study, patients will stop taking Sinemet and instead will have levodopa infused through a vein for up to 8 hours/day. During the infusions, the drug dose will be increased slowly until either 1) parkinsonian symptoms improve, 2) unacceptable side effects occur, or 3) the maximum study dose is reached. Symptoms will be monitored frequently to find two infusion rates: 1) one that is less than what is needed to relieve symptoms, and 2) one that relieves symptoms but may produce dyskinesias. This procedure will be repeated at the end of weeks 2, 4 and 6 of the study. When the patient's optimal dose is determined treatment will begin. Patients will take tablets or capsules containing KW-6002 or placebo (a look-alike pill with no active ingredient) once a day for 2 weeks, in addition to their regular Sinemet. All participants will receive placebo at least 2 weeks during the study; some patients will receive only placebo throughout the entire 7 weeks. At the end of weeks 1, 3 and 5, patients will be evaluated with a brief physical examination, routine blood and urine tests, and assessment of any adverse effects. Throughout the study, parkinsonian symptoms and dyskinesias will be evaluated and blood samples will be drawn periodically to measure drug levels.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for Levodopa

Condition Name

Condition Name for Levodopa
Intervention Trials
Parkinson's Disease 169
Parkinson Disease 113
Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease 21
Parkinson's Disease (PD) 14
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Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for Levodopa
Intervention Trials
Parkinson Disease 350
Dyskinesias 49
Atrophy 7
Shy-Drager Syndrome 6
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Clinical Trial Locations for Levodopa

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for Levodopa
Location Trials
Germany 106
Japan 99
Canada 94
Spain 67
Italy 60
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Trials by US State

Trials by US State for Levodopa
Location Trials
California 78
Florida 76
New York 64
Michigan 61
Illinois 58
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Clinical Trial Progress for Levodopa

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for Levodopa
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Phase 4 73
Phase 3 101
Phase 2/Phase 3 13
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Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for Levodopa
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 291
Recruiting 52
Terminated 27
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Clinical Trial Sponsors for Levodopa

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for Levodopa
Sponsor Trials
Bial - Portela C S.A. 23
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) 18
Oregon Health and Science University 14
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Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for Levodopa
Sponsor Trials
Industry 338
Other 299
NIH 37
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Levodopa: Clinical Trials, Market Analysis, and Projections

Introduction to Levodopa

Levodopa, also known as L-DOPA, is a crucial medication in the management of Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Levodopa acts as a precursor to dopamine, crossing the blood-brain barrier and replenishing deficient dopamine levels, thereby alleviating motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and bradykinesia[2].

Clinical Trials and Recent Developments

Advanced Formulations and Delivery Systems

In recent years, significant advancements have been made in the formulation and delivery of levodopa to improve its efficacy and reduce motor fluctuations.

Rytary and Duopa

  • Rytary, an extended-release capsule developed by Amneal Pharmaceuticals, combines immediate and slow-release levodopa. It has been shown to halve OFF time (periods when symptoms are not well-controlled) compared to oral levodopa/carbidopa, with fewer doses needed per day[1].
  • Duopa, an intestinal gel formulation by AbbVie, is delivered via a continuous infusion into the small intestine through a feeding tube and portable pump. This formulation has reduced daily OFF time by almost two hours compared to immediate-release oral tablets, particularly benefiting advanced Parkinson's disease patients with severe motor fluctuations[1].

ABBV-951 (Vyalev)

  • ABBV-951, now approved as Vyalev, is a continuous subcutaneous infusion formulation developed by AbbVie. It contains foslevodopa and foscarbidopa, modified with phosphate groups for enhanced water solubility. This formulation aims to smooth out the peaks and valleys of oral dosing, minimizing OFF time.
    • Phase 1 trials in healthy volunteers and patients with Parkinson's disease have shown consistent and stable plasma levels of levodopa, comparable to those achieved with Duopa intestinal gel[1].
    • A 12-week Phase 3 study comparing ABBV-951 to oral levodopa/carbidopa in advanced Parkinson's disease patients demonstrated significant increases in ON time (when symptoms are well-controlled) without troublesome dyskinesias and reductions in OFF time. The main side effects were non-serious infusion site complications[1][4].

FDA Approval and Future Availability

  • The FDA has approved Vyalev based on a Phase 3 study that showed it provided roughly three additional hours of ON time for people with advanced Parkinson’s, compared to immediate-release oral carbidopa/levodopa. While approved, the treatment is still undergoing additional regulatory processes and is expected to be covered by Medicare by the second half of 2025[4].

Market Analysis

Market Size and Growth

  • The global levodopa market was valued at $1.7 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $2.9 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2023 to 2032. This growth is driven by the increasing prevalence of Parkinson’s disease, rising healthcare expenditure, and technological advancements in drug delivery systems[2][3].

Market Segmentation

  • The tablets segment of the levodopa market acquired the maximum share in 2022, with this segment expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period[3].
  • Key market players include Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Novartis AG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Pfizer Inc., Impax Laboratories Inc., UCB SA, Merck and Co. Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, and Mylan NV[2].

Regional Market

  • The Asia-Pacific region is projected to provide significant business opportunities for the levodopa market in the future, driven by the growing geriatric population and increasing prevalence of Parkinson’s disease in countries like China[2].

Key Trends and Drivers

Increasing Prevalence of Parkinson’s Disease

  • The rising prevalence of Parkinson’s disease, particularly among the aging population, is a major driver of the levodopa market. By 2040, an estimated 13 million people worldwide will be affected by Parkinson’s disease, with China having the largest population affected[5].

Technological Advancements

  • Advancements in drug delivery systems, such as continuous infusion formulations like Vyalev and Duopa, are expected to enhance treatment efficacy and patient outcomes, driving market growth[1][4].

Focus on Personalized Medicine

  • There is an increasing focus on personalized medicine, which includes tailored treatment plans and novel formulations, further contributing to the growth of the levodopa market[3].

Challenges and Opportunities

Side Effects and Safety Concerns

  • Long-term use of levodopa can lead to complications such as dyskinesias, which may hamper market growth. However, the development of new formulations and delivery systems aims to mitigate these side effects[2][3].

Emerging Markets and Research Initiatives

  • Emerging markets, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, and ongoing research initiatives offer remunerative opportunities for the expansion of the levodopa market. Technological advancements and the development of novel treatments are expected to enhance treatment efficacy and accessibility[2][3].

Key Takeaways

  • Levodopa remains the mainstay of treatment for motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, with ongoing innovations in formulations and delivery systems.
  • Recent FDA approvals, such as Vyalev, highlight the potential for continuous infusion therapies to improve patient outcomes.
  • The global levodopa market is projected to grow significantly, driven by the increasing prevalence of Parkinson’s disease and technological advancements.
  • Key market players are investing in research and development to enhance treatment efficacy and reduce side effects.

FAQs

What is the primary use of levodopa in medical treatment?

Levodopa is primarily used to manage the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease by replenishing dopamine levels in the brain.

What are the recent advancements in levodopa formulations?

Recent advancements include extended-release capsules like Rytary, intestinal gel formulations like Duopa, and continuous subcutaneous infusion formulations like Vyalev.

What is the projected growth of the global levodopa market?

The global levodopa market is projected to grow from $1.7 billion in 2022 to $2.9 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 6.1% from 2023 to 2032.

Which region is expected to provide significant business opportunities for the levodopa market?

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to provide significant business opportunities due to the growing geriatric population and increasing prevalence of Parkinson’s disease.

What are the main side effects associated with long-term use of levodopa?

Long-term use of levodopa can lead to complications such as dyskinesias, although new formulations aim to mitigate these side effects.

Sources

  1. ALZFORUM: Levodopa | ALZFORUM
  2. Allied Market Research: Levodopa Market Size, Growth Analysis | Forecast - 2032
  3. EINPresswire: Levodopa Market Update 2024: to Reach USD 2.9 billion by 2032, Claims AMR Report
  4. Michael J. Fox Foundation: FDA Approves New Infusion-based Treatment for Parkinson's
  5. BioSpace: Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Market: The Levodopa Combination Drugs Segment Is Poised to Account for the Leading Share of the Global Market During 2017 to 2025

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