foscarbidopa

Foscarbidopa is a phosphate prodrug of carbidopa, a peripheral aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase (AAAD) inhibitor. Developed by AbbVie, it is primarily utilized in a fixed-dose combination with foslevodopa (known as ABBV-951) for the treatment of advanced Parkinson's disease. The phosphate modification significantly increases the solubility of carbidopa compared to its parent form, enabling the delivery of high-concentration solutions via continuous subcutaneous infusion. This delivery method provides stable, continuous levodopa levels, reducing the "off" periods and dyskinesia associated with the pulsatile stimulation of dopamine receptors caused by oral dosing. Foscarbidopa is converted to carbidopa in vivo by alkaline phosphatases, where it then prevents the peripheral metabolism of levodopa, ensuring greater bioavailability in the central nervous system while minimizing peripheral side effects.

Brand names

ProduodopaVyalev

Other names

carbidopa 4'-phosphateL-carbidopa 4'-phosphateCDP