Schwarz finds rotigotine patch effective in Parkinson’s treatment

Phase III studies of Schwarz Pharma’s transdermal Parkinson’s treatments have been successful, the company has claimed.

The rotigotine transdermal system, also know as the Neupro patch, was found to be effective in reducing “off time” ? periods of uncontrollable movements ? by 30 per cent, compared to patients who were given placebo.

The study looked at 506 patients with advanced idiopathic Parkinson’s, in two double-blind seven and 13-week trials. The company said that the drug was well tolerated, but added that it caused vomiting and nausea.

“In this trial, rotigotine transdermal system as adjunctive therapy in patients with advanced stage Parkinson’s disease showed good efficacy, tolerability and safety,” said Iris Loew-Friedrich of Schwarz Pharma’s executive board.

“We are especially encouraged by the noticeable increase in ‘on’ time without troublesome dyskinesia – an important parameter for patients.”

Over 90 per cent of the trial candidates continued to test the drug in an open-label extension.

Last week the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) approved NeoPro indication for the treatment of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Launches are expected in the first half of 2006.

© Adfero Ltd