levodopa + carbidopa (AbbVie Inc., 4d8860)

Duodopa is a combination of levodopa and carbidopa monohydrate formulated as an intestinal gel for the treatment of advanced Parkinson's disease. Developed by AbbVie, it is administered continuously via a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with a jejunal extension (PEG-J) tube using a portable pump. This delivery method bypasses the stomach to provide stable plasma levels of levodopa, significantly reducing the 'off' periods and dyskinesias associated with oral levodopa therapy. Levodopa acts as a precursor to dopamine, crossing the blood-brain barrier to replenish depleted dopamine levels in the central nervous system, while carbidopa inhibits peripheral aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, preventing the premature conversion of levodopa and reducing systemic side effects. In clinical research conducted by the Vastra Gotaland Region in Sweden, Duodopa has served as the reference standard for evaluating the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of novel delivery systems, such as Infudopa, a levodopa/carbidopa solution designed for subcutaneous or intravenous infusion.

Brand names

DuodopaDuopa

Other names

levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gelLCIGlevodopa-carbidopa infusion