Inhaled levodopa in Parkinson´s disease with motor fluctuations: post-commercialization experience in two movement disorders units.

BACKGROUND

Oral levodopa is currently the most effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, many patients will suffer fluctuations as the disease progresses. CVT-301, an inhaled levodopa powder, has shown promise in clinical trials for managing OFF periods without severe side effects, yet real-world data are lacking.

OBJECTIVES

To assess clinical effectiveness and tolerance of inhaled levodopa in PD patients.

METHODS

observational study based on a retrospective chart review of consecutive PD patients treated with inhaled levodopa from April 2023 to May 2024.

RESULTS

twenty-eight patients were included. Twenty (71.4%) reported improvement of OFF symptoms, with benefits appearing within 10 min in most patients. Adverse events were common. Only 2 (7.1%) discontinued treatment due to severe coughing.

CONCLUSIONS

Inhaled levodopa offers rapid improvement in PD symptoms with acceptable tolerance. This real-world study underscores its potential benefit for PD-related fluctuations, widening on demand options for patients inadequately controlled by oral medications.