Weekly Injectable PD Medication
- Stephanie Soto
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
A recent study from the University of South Australia is looking into a weekly injectable implant that would steadily release levodopa and carbidopa. Let's cover what they found.
The researches used a biodegradable material called PLGA and a pH-sensitive material called Eudragit L-100 to made a gel. When this gel is injected, it forms a small implant under the skin or muscle. The gel eventually breaks down over the week and releases the medication. The gradual breakdown is what is thought to keep the levels of levodopa and carbidopa steady. The researchers shared that the "long-acting injectables provide sustained release of the drug with constant blood levels of the drug" all while reducing the frequency of dosage and the side effects. According to researchers, the injection is easily injected through a standard needle. How exciting!
Many of you may be experiencing difficulty with opening pill bottles, opening bottles or water, or even swallowing. Having a weekly injection that you can do, or a loved one can do, will help cut down on the daily trouble of medication. For those who are very sensitive to having your meals around your medication time, gone are the days where oral medications are influencing your mealtime. An then for those who are taking several pills several times a day, this injection would give you a lot more freedom.
There is still a lot we do not know and a lot that needs to happen before this medication is approved for usage. There needs to be more research to validate these results and make sure that it is a safe drug. There still needs to be long term studies to determine the effectiveness over the long haul, not just the short term. Either way, this is very exciting and very promising!
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