Preclinical and clinical assessment of inhaled levodopa for OFF episodes in Parkinson’s disease

Half a century after its introduction, levodopa remains the most effective orally administered drug for suppressing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. As the disease advances, however, the drug’s effectiveness becomes increasingly prone to failure between doses. Inhalation of the same drug might address this problem. CVT-301 is a levodopa powder administered by an inhaler for use on an as-needed basis. Inhalation gives levodopa immediate access to the lungs, from which it can promptly reach the brain. Lipp et al. now present preclinical and clinical evidence that CVT-301 is suitable for inhaled dosing and that it ameliorates OFF episodes when the benefits of the oral drug wear off.