XP21279

**XP21279** is an orally administered, sustained-release **levodopa prodrug** developed by XenoPort for Parkinson's disease with motor fluctuations. It was designed to improve the gastrointestinal absorption profile of levodopa: XP21279 is actively transported by high-capacity nutrient transporters along the gastrointestinal tract and is rapidly hydrolyzed by carboxylesterases to release levodopa. The resulting levodopa is converted to dopamine in the central nervous system, restoring dopaminergic neurotransmission. Clinical development evaluated sustained-release bilayer XP21279 tablets administered with carbidopa; Phase 2 testing showed reduced levodopa concentration variability versus immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa, but no statistically significant improvement in off time.

Other names

XP-21279XP21279XP 21279