24 hour sinemet. Why not?

[rhenry45]

Why can't they make a sinemet formulation that slowly breaks down over a 24 hour period so we can have constant benefit even at night? They already have sinement CR which works over a 4 hour period. It should be easy to make. Just have a pill for example that releases 100 mg of levodopa and 50 mg carbodopa every 4 hours for a 24 hour cycle for a total of 6 divided doses. I would make the initial dose be non-time release it so takes effect right away in the morning. Then the next 5 doses would release for the next 20 hours. If we could get some drug company to make this it would make all of our lives a lot easier. We could go about our business as if we didn't have PD. What do you think?

[Blackfeather]

Actually there is a pharmaceutical company that is developing a pump/patch system that delivers a steady amount of liquid c/l over 24 hours, similar to what diabetics use to manage insulin therapy. I am told by my movement disorder specialist that it will be available in 1 or 2 years. My MDS informed me her clinic will probably be one of a handful of clinics in the U.S. involved in phase 3 trial of the pump. I think I will be one of the test patients for the pump. Very excited about this prospect. This pump system is non invasive and has proven very effective in managing PD symptoms. Neuroderm is the developer of this system. Google neuroderm parkinson's pump to read more about it.

[rhenry45 in reply to Blackfeather]

Who wants a pump in their stomach? Wouldn't it be easier just to take a pill?

[Blackfeather in reply to rhenry45]

The pump is not in there stomach. For these who want or need a consistent level of levidopa this non invasive pump will be a godsend. Plus food intake won't interfere with the medications effectiveness. Think about it.

[Rebtar]

It will probably be a struggle getting insurance companies to pay for this when it comes out. Hopefully not, but that seems to be the way of things...

[Catlou]

Duopa pump already exists they say it's non invasive and lasts 16 hous

[Blackfeather]

Duodpa pump involves surgery to make a hole in the stomach wall to allow a tube to be installed into the intestine. There is an infection risk and other downside issues.