AbbVie recently announced the launch of Produodopa (foslevodopa/foscarbidopa) in the European Union for the treatment of advanced Parkinson's disease with severe motor fluctuations and hyperkinesia (excessive movement) or dyskinesia (involuntary movement), and when available combinations of Parkinson's medicinal products have not given satisfactory results.

Produodopa is the first-and-only subcutaneous 24-hour infusion of levodopa-based therapy for the treatment of severe motor fluctuations in people living with advanced Parkinson's disease whose symptoms are inadequately controlled by other therapies. The continuous delivery of Produodopa provides levodopa 24-hours a day which may help patients by extending the period when symptoms are well-controlled, often referred to as "On" time.

AbbVie was granted marketing authorization of Produodopa through the Decentralized Procedure in the third quarter of 2022. The VYAFUSER pump for the subcutaneous delivery of Produodopa received Conformité Européenne (CE) Mark in November of 2023.

"People living with Parkinson's disease experience daily challenges and uncertainty, especially as their disease progresses and symptoms are no longer adequately controlled," said Roopal Thakkar, Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, Global Therapeutics, AbbVie. "This approval is an example of our unwavering commitment to this community by developing new, transformative therapeutic options for people experiencing advanced Parkinson's disease, their families, and care partners."

"This approval represents a significant advancement for those with Parkinson's disease who have historically had limited treatment options for advanced stages," said Angelo Antonini, MD, PhD, Professor of Neurology at the Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, Italy. "When oral treatment no longer sufficiently helps with improvement in motor fluctuations, patients need alternative options. Produodopa 's around-the-clock infusion allows for continuous delivery of levodopa, the gold standard of treatment."

"As Parkinson's progresses, it can take a significant physical and emotional toll not only on the person but also on their family and care partners, who often play a critical role in their daily lives," said Josefa Domingos, President, Parkinson's Europe. "It is vital that the Parkinson's community have more options that can help them manage their symptoms."