WD-1603

**WD-1603** is an oral controlled-release fixed-dose combination of **carbidopa + levodopa** being developed for Parkinson's disease by Shanghai WD Pharmaceutical and Shanghai Hando Pharmaceutical Technology. The tablet uses proprietary GiPump osmotic delivery technology to provide bi-modal, sustained levodopa release and reduce peak-to-trough fluctuations in levodopa exposure. Carbidopa inhibits peripheral aromatic L-amino-acid decarboxylase, limiting peripheral conversion of levodopa to dopamine and increasing levodopa delivery to the brain; levodopa is then converted to dopamine to restore dopaminergic signaling. Phase II testing in early Parkinson's disease reported dose-dependent improvements in MDS-UPDRS II+III scores and relatively stable levodopa concentrations, while Phase III development has been reported as planned.

Other names

carbidopa + levodopa controlled-release tabletscarbidopa + levodopa extended-release tablets