opicapone

Opicapone is a potent, peripherally acting, selective, and reversible catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor used as an adjunct therapy in adults with Parkinson's disease who are experiencing "off" episodes while being treated with levodopa and a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor (such as carbidopa or benserazide). By inhibiting peripheral COMT, opicapone reduces the breakdown of levodopa outside the central nervous system, thereby increasing its availability and duration of action. This results in more levodopa reaching the brain to be converted into dopamine, helping to control motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. Opicapone does not cross the blood–brain barrier and has a long duration of action due to slow dissociation from COMT. Developed by BIAL and marketed by Neurocrine Biosciences in some regions.

Brand names

Ongentys

Other names

OPC