Lecigon

Lecigon is a triple-combination intestinal gel formulation containing levodopa, carbidopa, and entacapone, specifically developed for the treatment of advanced Parkinson's disease. It is administered via a portable pump through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with a jejunal extension (PEG-J) tube directly into the small intestine. Levodopa serves as a dopamine precursor, while carbidopa inhibits peripheral DOPA decarboxylase to prevent the premature conversion of levodopa to dopamine outside the brain. Entacapone is a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor that further extends the half-life of levodopa by blocking its metabolism. This combination allows for lower levodopa dosing and more stable plasma levels compared to dual-component gels, aiming to reduce "off" time and motor fluctuations. The University Hospital Tuebingen is specifically investigating its efficacy in managing dopaminergic desensitization and neuropsychiatric complications in Parkinson's patients.

Brand names

LecigonLecigimon

Other names

levodopa + carbidopa + entacapone intestinal gellevodopa-entacapone-carbidopa intestinal gel