apomorphine (Alexza Pharmaceuticals Inc)

AZ-009 (also referred to as 009-B2 or Staccato Apomorphine) is an investigational inhaled formulation of apomorphine hydrochloride being developed by Alexza Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Ferrer, for the treatment of OFF episodes in patients with Parkinson's disease. The drug is delivered via the proprietary Staccato inhalation platform, which utilizes a thermally-produced aerosol to deliver the active ingredient to the deep lung. This delivery method results in rapid systemic absorption with a median Tmax of 1–2 minutes, significantly faster than existing subcutaneous or sublingual apomorphine formulations. Apomorphine acts as a potent, non-ergoline dopamine receptor agonist with high affinity for D2, D3, and D5 receptors, and moderate affinity for D1 and D4 receptors, helping to alleviate motor fluctuations by compensating for the loss of endogenous dopamine.

Brand names

Staccato Apomorphine

Other names

Staccato Apomorphineinhaled apomorphine