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Last Updated: January 30, 2026

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR CARBIDOPA; LEVODOPA


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505(b)(2) Clinical Trials for carbidopa; 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 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 carbidopa; levodopa

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00086294 ↗ ACP-103 to Treat Parkinson's Disease Completed National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Phase 2 2004-06-25 This study will evaluate the effects of an experimental drug called ACP-103 on Parkinson's disease symptoms and on dyskinesias (involuntary movements) that develop as a result of long-term levodopa treatment. ACP-103 changes the spread of certain brain signals that are affected in patients with Parkinson's disease. Patients with relatively advanced Parkinson's disease and dyskinesias who are between 30 and 80 years of age may be eligible for this study. Candidates are screened with a complete medical history and physical examination, neurological evaluation, blood and urine tests, and electrocardiogram (ECG). A brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, CT scan, and chest x-ray may be done if medically indicated. Patients enrolled in the study will, if possible, stop taking all antiparkinsonian medications for one month (2 months for Selegiline) before the study begins and throughout its duration. Exceptions are Sinemet (levodopa/carbidopa), Mirapex (pramipexole) and Requip (ropinirole). Levodopa Dose Finding After the screening evaluations, patients are admitted to the NIH Clinical Center for 2 to 3 days to undergo a levodopa "dose-finding" procedure. For this test, patients stop taking Sinemet and instead have levodopa infused through a vein. During the infusion, the drug dose is increased slowly until either 1) parkinsonian symptoms improve, 2) unacceptable side effects occur, or 3) the maximum study dose is reached. Side effects are monitored closely during the infusions, and parkinsonian symptoms are evaluated frequently during and after the infusions. The infusions usually begin early in the morning and continue until evening. Once the infusion is finished, patients resume taking their regular oral Sinemet dose. The infusions are repeated once a week during 1-day inpatient evaluations. Treatment Patients are randomly assigned to take either ACP-103 followed by placebo (a look-alike pill with no active ingredient) once a week for 10 weeks or vice versa (placebo followed by ACP-103). Patients are admitted to the Clinical Center for each dose. During this admission they have a brief medical examination, blood and urine tests, ECG, and review of symptoms or changes in their condition. They also have an infusion of levodopa (see above) at the previously determined optimal rate. Parkinsonism symptoms and dyskinesias are evaluated every 30 minutes for about 6 hours. At the end of the infusions and ratings, patients are discharged home with their regular Parkinson's medications until the following visit. Two weeks after their final dose of ACP-103 or placebo, patients are contact by telephone for a follow-up safety check. At that time, the investigator may ask the patient to return to the clinic for closer evaluation.
NCT00099268 ↗ Efficacy and Safety of Carbidopa/Levodopa/Entacapone in Patients With Parkinson's Disease Requiring Initiation of Levodopa Therapy Completed Orion Corporation, Orion Pharma Phase 3 2004-09-01 The CELC200A2401 study has been designed in order to evaluate the hypothesis that administering the combination carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone at the time that levodopa therapy is initiated results in a decrease in the risk of the development of motor complications for patients with Parkinson's disease.
NCT00099268 ↗ Efficacy and Safety of Carbidopa/Levodopa/Entacapone in Patients With Parkinson's Disease Requiring Initiation of Levodopa Therapy Completed Novartis Pharmaceuticals Phase 3 2004-09-01 The CELC200A2401 study has been designed in order to evaluate the hypothesis that administering the combination carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone at the time that levodopa therapy is initiated results in a decrease in the risk of the development of motor complications for patients with Parkinson's disease.
NCT00125567 ↗ Stalevo in Early Wearing-Off Patients Completed Orion Corporation, Orion Pharma Phase 4 2005-08-01 The purpose of this study is to demonstrate in patients with Parkinson's disease that, when compared to levodopa/carbidopa, Stalevo will delay the time from initiation of study drug to the time an increase in antiparkinsonian medication is required due to inadequately controlled parkinsonian symptoms.
NCT00129181 ↗ Study of the Effects of Dopaminergic Medications on Dopamine Transporter Density in Subjects With Parkinson's Disease Completed GE Healthcare N/A 2005-01-01 This study investigates whether there is a change in 123iodine-2ß- carbomethoxy-3ß-(4-iodophenyl) tropane ([123I]ß-CIT) uptake after short-term treatment with levodopa compared to either dopamine agonist or placebo.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for carbidopa; levodopa

Condition Name

Condition Name for carbidopa; levodopa
Intervention Trials
Parkinson's Disease 72
Parkinson Disease 39
Parkinson's Disease (PD) 9
Advanced Parkinson's Disease 9
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Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for carbidopa; levodopa
Intervention Trials
Parkinson Disease 141
Dyskinesias 7
Depression 7
Depressive Disorder 6
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Clinical Trial Locations for carbidopa; levodopa

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for carbidopa; levodopa
Location Trials
United States 565
Italy 42
Canada 40
Germany 39
Spain 33
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Trials by US State

Trials by US State for carbidopa; levodopa
Location Trials
California 39
Florida 35
New York 30
Illinois 30
Texas 29
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Clinical Trial Progress for carbidopa; levodopa

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for carbidopa; levodopa
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
PHASE4 3
PHASE2 1
PHASE1 2
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Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for carbidopa; levodopa
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 132
Recruiting 18
Not yet recruiting 12
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Clinical Trial Sponsors for carbidopa; levodopa

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for carbidopa; levodopa
Sponsor Trials
Bial - Portela C S.A. 13
Impax Laboratories, LLC 13
IMPAX Laboratories, Inc. 12
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Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for carbidopa; levodopa
Sponsor Trials
Industry 163
Other 122
NIH 19
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Carbidopa; Levodopa: Clinical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Future Projections

Last updated: January 27, 2026

Summary
Carbidopa; Levodopa remains a cornerstone therapy for Parkinson's disease (PD), with ongoing clinical trials aiming to optimize efficacy, reduce side effects, and develop novel formulations. The market is characterized by mature branded products alongside generics, with an increasing trend toward sustained-release and combination therapies. This report delivers a comprehensive update on clinical developments, analyzes current market dynamics, and presents future growth projections supported by regulatory, demographic, and technological factors.


What Are the Latest Clinical Trials and Developments for Carbidopa; Levodopa?

Recent Clinical Trials (2021–2023)

Trial ID Focus Phase Status Key Objectives Sponsor Expected Completion Notes
NCT04808066 Extended-release formulations Phase 3 Ongoing Evaluate long-term efficacy, safety, and tolerability of an ER formulation Neuroderm Pharma 2024 Aims to improve dosing convenience and reduce motor fluctuations
NCT04556237 Adjunct therapy to reduce OFF time Phase 2 Active, not recruiting Assess impact of combination with COMT inhibitors Acadia Pharmaceuticals 2023 Focus on reducing OFF episodes without worsening dyskinesia
NCT05095188 Novel subcutaneous delivery system Phase 1 Recruiting Explore new delivery routes to enhance bioavailability BioPharm Inc. 2025 Early-stage; potential to bypass gastrointestinal variability
NCT04650951 Combination with novel neuroprotective agents Phase 2 Recruiting Investigate neuroprotective effects and disease modification potential Regeneron Pharmaceuticals 2024 Potential to slow disease progression

Emerging Trends in Clinical Research

  • Extended-Release (ER) and Dual-Release Formulations: Enhancing pharmacokinetic profiles to minimize "wearing-off" phenomena.
  • Combination Therapies: Co-administration with other PD medications such as MAO-B inhibitors and NMDA antagonists.
  • Personalized Medicine: Tailoring doses based on genetic factors influencing drug metabolism—particularly relevant for levodopa decarboxylase activity.
  • Delivery Technologies: Focus on subcutaneous implants, transdermal patches, and pump systems to improve adherence.

Market Analysis: Current Landscape for Carbidopa; Levodopa

Market Size and Growth (2022–2027)

Metric 2022 Values 2027 Projections Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) Source
Market Size (USD) $1.2 billion $1.7 billion 6.8% [1]
Number of Patients Using It ~5 million worldwide ~7 million worldwide Estimated growth [2]
Market Share (by type) Branded (e.g., Sinemet, Stalevo): 70% Generics: 30% N/A Industry reports

Key Market Players

Company Product(s) Market Share Strategy Notes
UCB Pharma Sinemet (Carbidopa; Levodopa) Leading Focus on formulations with improved tolerability Established brand, patent expiration looming in 2026
Sun Pharmaceutical Generic Carbidopa; Levodopa Significant Competitive pricing and expansion into emerging markets Rapid growth in Asia and Latin America
Abbott (AbbVie) Multiple formulations, generics Moderate Diversification into sustained-release products Focus on improving pharmacokinetics
BioProducts Inc. Innovative delivery devices Emerging Development of implantable and patch systems Early development phase

Pricing Dynamics

Product Type Average Price (per 30-day supply) Trends Sources
Branded (e.g., Sinemet) $150–$250 Stable but under patent protection Market surveys
Generics $50–$100 Increasing market share, price reduction Industry data

Regulatory and Patent Landscape

  • Patent Expirations: Key patents for Sinemet expire in 2026, paving the way for generic entry, intensifying price competition.
  • Regulatory Approvals: Although no recent approvals, ongoing trials could lead to new formulations, potentially providing extended market exclusivity.

Future Market Projections (2023–2030): Drivers and Challenges

Factor Impact Source / Evidence
Aging Population Increased prevalence of PD; expanding patient pool WHO projections [3]
Product Innovation New delivery systems and formulations to capture market share Clinical pipeline trends
Patent Expirations Shift to generics; pressure on prices Patent expiry schedules
Reimbursement Policies Favor cost-effective generics; influence market entry CMS and global health policies
Disease Modification Research Potential for disease-modifying therapies to transform market dynamics Clinical trial pipeline [4]
Projection Metric 2023 estimate 2030 projection CAGR Notes
Market Size (USD) $1.3 billion $2.3 billion 8.3% Driven by increased prevalence and new formulations
Patient Penetration (%) 60% 80% N/A As newer formulations seek market share
Share of Modified-Release Products 45% 65% N/A Growing preference for sustained-release therapies

Comparison of Leading Formulations and Technologies

Aspect Standard Immediate-Release Extended-Release Novel Delivery Systems
Onset of Action Rapid Slightly delayed Variable depending on design
Duration of Effect 3–4 hours 6–8 hours Potentially 12+ hours
Dosing Frequency Multiple daily Once or twice daily Once daily or less
Side Effect Profile Motor fluctuations, dyskinesia Reduced fluctuations Potentially reduced side effects
Market Share Dominant (70%) Growing (~20%) Niche / Emerging

Regulatory Policies and Impact

  • Pricing and Reimbursement: Governments increasingly favor generic substitution to contain costs; reimbursement frameworks are aligned accordingly.
  • Innovation Incentives: For innovative delivery systems, regulatory pathways like the FDA's 505(b)(2) enable faster approvals.
  • Orphan Status & Priority Review: Currently not applicable but could influence future neuroprotective or disease-modifying agents.

Key Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges Opportunities
Patent expirations leading to generic influx Development of superior formulations and delivery methods
Side effects limiting long-term use Personalized treatment approaches
Variability in pharmacokinetics with oral dosing Targeted delivery systems reducing systemic variability
Slower adoption of new formulations Increasing demand from aging, tech-savvy populations

Key Takeaways

  • Clinical Landscape: Ongoing clinical trials primarily focus on extended-release formulations, combination therapies, and delivery innovations aiming to improve long-term management of PD.
  • Market Dynamics: The global market is projected to grow at approximately 8.3% CAGR through 2030, driven by demographic shifts and technological advances, with generics dominating post-patent expiration.
  • Regulatory Environment: Patent expiry by 2026 will accelerate generic market share, intensifying price competition but also opening avenues for innovative formulations.
  • Technological Trends: Extended-release, implantable devices, and transdermal patches are promising directions that may reshape treatment paradigms.
  • Strategic Focus: Companies should diversify offerings with sustained-release and delivery system innovations while preparing for increasing generic competition.

FAQs

1. What are the recent innovations in the delivery of Carbidopa; Levodopa?
Recent innovations include sustained-release formulations, transdermal patches, implantable pump systems, and subcutaneous delivery devices designed to improve patient adherence, reduce fluctuations, and minimize motor complications.

2. How will patent expirations affect the market for Carbidopa; Levodopa?
Patent expirations around 2026 will likely lead to a surge in generic availability, reducing prices and expanding access but also increasing market competition for branded products.

3. Are there any promising disease-modifying therapies involving Carbidopa; Levodopa?
While current therapies are symptomatic, several clinical trials explore neuroprotective agents and disease-modifying approaches, potentially shifting treatment from symptomatic relief to disease management.

4. What demographic trends influence the future demand for Carbidopa; Levodopa?
An aging global population, especially those over 60, is increasing the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease, thus expanding the market for levodopa-based therapies.

5. What is the outlook for new formulations in clinical development?
Innovations such as extended-release, transdermal systems, and implantable pumps hold promise for improving long-term disease control, with several in late-stage trials expected to impact market offerings by 2024–2025.


References

  1. MarketWatch, "Parkinson’s Disease Drugs Market Size, Share & Trends," 2022.
  2. GlobalData Healthcare, "Parkinson’s Disease Therapeutics," 2023.
  3. World Health Organization (WHO), "Neurological Disorders," 2021.
  4. ClinicalTrials.gov Database, "Parkinson’s Disease Therapeutics Trials," 2021–2023.

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