UCB to recall Neupro patch

A patch applied to the skin as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease has been recalled by UCB Pharmaceuticals.

The product, Neupro, has been recalled in the US and certain batches have been recalled in Europe due to a deviation from the product specification that was discovered during ongoing monitoring.

Neupro is a transdermal delivery system that works by providing rotigotine, a non-ergolinic dopamine agonist, via the skin over a 24-hour period. This was found to improve motor deficits in animal models, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

The product is designed for the treatment of early-stage idiopathic Parkinson’s disease in the US, while in Europe it is used for early and late stages of the condition.

UCB maintained that the issue is not one of toxicity or contamination but reduced clinical performance for some batches.

It also advised against the immediate stoppage of use but instead down-titration under medical supervision.

Iris Loew-Friedrich, chief medical officer at UCB, said: “It is strongly advised that patients do not discontinue therapy abruptly.”