Istradefylline

Istradefylline is a selective adenosine A2A receptor antagonist used as an adjunct to levodopa and carbidopa for the treatment of "off" episodes in adults with Parkinson's disease. Unlike standard dopaminergic therapies, it works by blocking adenosine A2A receptors in the basal ganglia, a brain region involved in motor control. This mechanism helps regulate GABAergic neurotransmission without directly affecting dopamine pathways, thereby reducing excessive activation of the indirect striato-pallidal pathway associated with motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. Istradefylline was developed by Kyowa Hakko Kirin and first approved in Japan in 2013 and later by the FDA in 2019[1][3][6].

Brand names

Nourianz

Other names

istradefyllineKW-6002KW6002KW 6002