Subcutaneous Levodopa pump

[Buckholt]

Abbvie’s subcutaneous, pump-delivered levodopa-carbidopa formulation ABBV-951 scores a goal in Phase III for #Parkinsons; A 2.7-hour increase in “On” time; Planned approval filings. Not followed this but sounds interesting.

fiercepharma.com/drug-deliv...

[eschneid]

Great idea, but I always wished they could do this without surgically implanting a pump. Isn't there another way they can get our meds working quicker without the usual intestinal route-competing with protein, full intestine and swallowing?

[katherinecompton22 in reply to eschneid]

The subq route is exactly that - just under the skin. They use a very small cannula that adheres to the skin. It's then attached to tubing and a pump that is smaller than a Duopa pump. While med doses are replenished daily, the cannula and tubing are changed (and rotated to a different site) at least every 72 hours. Nothing is surgically implanted. It truly allows for 24-hour dosing that bypasses the GI tract.

[eschneid in reply to katherinecompton22]

Thanks Katherine for letting me down easy there. I read it too fast and didn't realize I was reading about the last generation of Duopa pumps, which I still it was too invasive.

[Hidden]

Can someone confirm that the subcutaneous pump will be smaller than the Duopa pump?

If it is smaller, can you provide a link to a photo of it?

Thanks!

[matthias_baum in reply to Hidden]

It is as big as an apomorphin Go Pump and can be worn und the clothing . I am since 5 years Every day with the pump, the problem is the skin, which will react. Foslevodopa will, as far as I have heard, applikated each 72 hours so the system is comparable to an Insulin pump

[matthias_baum in reply to Hidden]

The apomoŕphine Pump Can be Found via Google or on Websites like Parkinson uk.