A new weekly injectable drug could transform the lives of more than eight million people living with Parkinson’s disease, potentially replacing the need for multiple daily tablets.
Developed by scientists from the University of South Australia (UniSA), the long-acting formulation delivers a steady dose of levodopa and carbidopa—two key medications for Parkinson’s—over an entire week.
The findings are published in the journal Drug Delivery and Translational Research.
The biodegradable gel is injected under the skin or into muscle tissue, gradually releasing medication over seven days. This could simplify treatment and significantly improve patient adherence, particularly among the elderly and those with swallowing difficulties.
Lead researcher Professor Sanjay Garg emphasized the goal was to create a simplified treatment option that maintains consistent therapeutic levels and improves patient outcomes. Levodopa, a gold-standard therapy for Parkinson’s, currently requires multiple doses per day due to its short lifespan.
PhD student Deepa Nakmode added that the new in-situ implant releases both levodopa and carbidopa steadily, maintaining consistent plasma levels and reducing side effect risks. The team has filed an Australian patent for the technology.
The injectable combines FDA-approved biodegradable polymer PLGA with pH-sensitive Eudragit L-100 for controlled drug release. Tests showed over 90% of levodopa and 81% of carbidopa were released over a week, with over 80% implant degradation and no significant cell toxicity.
Administered through a fine 22-gauge needle, the formulation avoids the need for surgery. The innovation could be adapted for other chronic conditions requiring long-term treatment, such as cancer, diabetes, and chronic infections.
Clinical trials and commercialization efforts are being planned to bring this potentially game-changing treatment to market.
If you care about Parkinson’s disease, please read studies about how to improve walking in people with Parkinson’s disease and Scientists find causes of Parkinson’s and Lewy body dementia.
For more about Parkinson’s disease, please read studies These common drugs may increase risk of Parkinson’s disease and Researchers find an important cause of Parkinson’s disease.
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