News
27 July, 2025
Weekly wonder for Parkinson’s
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.
Scientists from the University of South Australia (UniSA) have developed a long-acting injectable formulation that delivers a steady dose of levodopa and carbidopa – two key medications for Parkinson’s – over an entire week.
Their findings have been reported in the journal Drug Delivery and Translational Research.
The biodegradable formulation is injected under the skin or into muscle tissue, where it gradually releases the medication over seven days.
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurological disorder, affecting more than 8.5 million people worldwide. Currently, there is no cure, and symptoms – such as tremors, rigidity, and slow movement – are managed with oral medications that must be taken several times a day.
The frequent dosing is a burden, especially for elderly patients or those with swallowing difficulties, leading to inconsistent medication levels, more side effects, and reduced effectiveness.
Lead researcher Professor Sanjay Garg, from UniSA’s Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation, said the newly developed injectable could significantly improve treatment outcomes and patient adherence.
“Our goal was to create a formulation that simplifies treatment, improves patient compliance, and maintains consistent therapeutic levels of medication. This weekly injection could be a game-changer for Parkinson’s care,” Prof Garg said.
“Levodopa is the gold-standard therapy for Parkinson’s, but its short lifespan means it must be taken several times a day.”
UniSA PhD student Deepa Nakmode said the in-situ implant is designed to release both levodopa and carbidopa steadily over one week, maintaining consistent plasma levels and reducing the risks associated with fluctuating drug concentrations.
“After years of focused research, it’s incredibly rewarding to see our innovation in long-acting injectables for Parkinson’s disease reach this stage. Our invention has now been filed for an Australian patent,” she said.
Extensive lab tests confirmed the system’s effectiveness and safety.
