Schwarz Pharma has submitted clinical trial results that are currently under consideration by the FDA. My Parkinson's Info has also been watching rotigotine. From the information we've read, and the presentations we've attended, we are optimistic about the rotigotine patch's ability to help people live better lives. We've heard the enthusiasm for "the patch" in the Parkinson's community. So, we're digging a little deeper into this one.
What is the rotigotine patch?
The patch is applied once a day to the skin and releases rotigotine continuously through the skin into the body over 24 hours. We are all currently waiting for the FDA to review it, and we hope it is approved soon. Based on the speculation we've heard, we think it could be approved around March 2007. That means it would take a few more months to get through the manufacturing process and out to pharmacies in the United States.
Why is "The Patch" a good thing?
Because it is in a patch that people wear 24 hours a day, it can continuously provide wearers with a dopamine agonist dose. Like Patti mentioned, it completely bypasses the digestive system. People with Parkinson's often have a number of medications already taxing their digestive system. Their digestive systems also tend to slow down a lot, naturally slowing down medication absorption and delivery. Other highlights of the patch include:
- A steady level of dopamine agonist flowing through their system, rather than the fluctuating levels you get with some pills.
- Increases amount of "on" time each day by more than 30 percent.
- Compared to pramipexole (brand name Mirapex), the rotigotine patch also was superior at increasing "on" time, without troublesome dyskinesia.
- Some patients wearing the rotigotine patch, were able to decrease their levodopa dose. Patients in more advanced stages of the disease will appreciate this benefit, because it will lower the risk of levodopa toxicity.
As we learn more, we will update you. If you would like join an email update list click here. We will email you when there is news about the rotigotine patch, and when the FDA approves it. We will also send you a message a few days before it is available in pharmacies.
We are going to continue digging deeper for information on Neupro, and see what we can learn. Because the patch is approved in Europe, we hope to learn if it has made a difference for people there. If you are reading this from Europe, or you have an acquaintance with PD in Europe, please email Matt at mnilsen@myparkinsonsinfo.com.
