New Drug For Parkinson's Disease Proves Effective, S...( ch mimic dopamine and stimulatebrain c...),Health

ch mimic dopamine and stimulate brain cells just as the natural neurotransmitter would. Dopamine agonists on the market today include bromocriptene (brand name Parlodel) and pergolide (Permax). Doctors use the drugs to alleviate symptoms and also to smooth out the highs and lows of motor control that many Parkinson's sufferers experience while on levodopa (Sinemet), the most powerful anti-Parkinson's drug now available. Adding a powerful new stablemate to the range of drugs already available will improve doctors' ability to find the best mix for each individual patient, Dr. Kieburtz says.

The drug appears to be more effective than other dopamine agonists in reducing tremors and movement problems. In addition, unlike current drugs, pramipexole dihydrochloride does not cause lightheadedness resulting from a noticeable drop in blood pressure when a patient stands up. Dr. Kieburtz says that's probably because the drug targets the specific dopamine receptor involved in Parkinson's disease more precisely.

"Pramipexole dihydrochloride had a very good tolerability and safety profile," Dr. Kieburtz says. "We thought this drug would be effective, but we were pleasantly surprised that it works so well. I have many patients who have anxiously waited for this drug to become available." Pramipexole dihydrochloride is the first of several next- generation dopamine agonists being launched by pharmaceutical firms this year.

At the study's outset, 264 patients with symptoms of early Parkinson's disease who were not being treated with levodopa were randomly divided into five treatment groups. Members of one group received a placebo, while those in the other four groups received daily doses of pramipexole dihydrochloride. Physicians measured a patient's condition by monitoring the patient's mood, motor skills, and ability to perform everyday tasks. Over the 10-week study, patients receiving pramipexole dihydrochloride improved an average of 2
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Contact: Steve Bradt
sbradt@admin.rochester.edu
716-273-4726
University of Rochester
8-Jul-1997

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