opicapone + levodopa + dopa decarboxylase inhibitor

A fixed-dose combination of **opicapone**, **levodopa**, and a **dopa decarboxylase inhibitor** (DDCI, such as carbidopa or benserazide), intended for the treatment of **Parkinson's disease** with motor fluctuations. - **Mechanism of action:** - **Levodopa** is converted to dopamine in the brain, alleviating motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. - **Dopa decarboxylase inhibitors** (carbidopa or benserazide) prevent the peripheral conversion of levodopa to dopamine, increasing the amount reaching the brain and reducing peripheral side effects. - **Opicapone** is a potent, peripheral, reversible, long-acting catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor. By inhibiting peripheral COMT, it further prevents the metabolism of levodopa in the periphery, prolonging its availability and reducing end-of-dose "off" periods typical in advanced Parkinson's disease. - **Context:** Combination therapy intensifies and extends the clinical effects of levodopa, especially in patients experiencing motor fluctuations on standard levodopa/DDCI therapy.