deuterated levodopa

**Deuterated levodopa** (SD-1077) is a selectively deuterated analog of L-DOPA, with deuterium substitutions at the α- and β-carbons of the side chain, designed to slow the metabolism of the resulting deuterated dopamine by monoamine oxidase (MAO) and dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH) via kinetic isotope effects. Developed by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (previously Auspex Pharmaceuticals), it aims to provide prolonged central dopamine exposure for treating motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease while maintaining comparable peripheral pharmacokinetics and safety to standard L-DOPA/carbidopa. Preclinical studies in rodents showed enhanced striatal dopamine output and reduced turnover without peak concentration increases; a phase I trial in healthy volunteers confirmed attenuated peripheral dopamine degradation, higher urinary dopamine excretion, and bioequivalence in L-DOPA exposure.

Other names

D3-L-DOPAD-3-L-DOPAD 3-L-DOPA