ciladopa

Ciladopa is a small molecule dopamine agonist, specifically a troponylpiperazine derivative, that was developed for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It acts primarily as an agonist at dopamine D2-like receptors, mimicking the action of endogenous dopamine to alleviate motor symptoms such as bradykinesia, rigidity, and gait disturbances. In clinical evaluations, ciladopa demonstrated the ability to improve disability scores and allow for a reduction in the required dose of levodopa (Sinemet). Despite its initial clinical promise and relatively low incidence of acute adverse effects, its development was discontinued by Ayerst Laboratories in the mid-1980s, primarily due to findings of potential carcinogenicity (specifically Leydig cell tumors) in long-term rodent toxicity studies.

Other names

ciladopa hydrochloride