Non-invasive, continuous oral delivery of solid levodopa-carbidopa for management of Parkinson’s disease

A new system called DopaFuse, developed by SynAgile, uses a small pump integrated into a teeth retainer to deliver continuous, high doses of levodopa and carbidopa, providing more stable relief from motor symptoms for people with advanced Parkinson’s disease. This innovative device addresses the challenge of fluctuating medication levels, which cause off periods when symptoms reappear between doses of traditional oral treatments. DopaFuse delivers a semisolid paste containing 63% levodopa and carbidopa directly to the mouth through a prefilled, disposable extruder inserted into a pocket on the retainer. After meals, typically following breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the paste is released onto the tongue side of the teeth, where it mixes with saliva and is swallowed. The system can deliver up to 1,200 mg of medication daily, a significant advancement over non-invasive methods that previously couldn’t exceed 100 mg. In a Phase 2 study, DopaFuse led to more consistent blood levels of levodopa and improved motor symptom control. By overcoming the short half-life of levodopa with continuous dosing, this approach offers a promising alternative to frequent or invasive treatments. Researchers also highlighted its potential to deliver other short-acting medications, broadening its applicability to additional conditions.