placebo + rasagiline

The combination of placebo and rasagiline refers to a specific control arm used in Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC's Phase 3 clinical development program for preladenant in patients with moderate to severe Parkinson's disease. Rasagiline is a potent, second-generation, selective, and irreversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B). By inhibiting this enzyme, rasagiline prevents the breakdown of dopamine in the striatum, thereby increasing synaptic dopamine levels and improving motor function in Parkinson's patients. In the context of Merck's trials (such as Protocol P06153), rasagiline 1 mg was administered once daily alongside a placebo matching the experimental drug preladenant to serve as an active comparator benchmark. Rasagiline was originally developed by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and is widely approved as both monotherapy and adjunct therapy for Parkinson's disease.

Brand names

Azilect

Other names

rasagiline mesylaterasagiline