Orion and Novartis reveal Stalevo trial results

A phase three clinical trial testing the effects of pharmaceutical drug Stalevo on patients with early-stage Parkinson’s disease has achieved a positive outcome, it has emerged.

According to Orion and marketing partner Novartis, the study tested the drug on 423 patients to examine if it has greater symptomatic benefits than other standard treatments, which usually include levodopa and carbidopa.

Test results indicate that following nine months of treatment, patients treated with Stalevo – which contains levodopa, carbidopa and entacapone – were recorded as having higher scores on tests measuring motor functions and activities of daily living.

Stavelo treats Parkinson’s disease by providing a continuous supply of levadopa to the brain and studies indicate that its efficacy is maintained through long-term treatment.

According to the Parkinson’s Disease Society, it is thought that around 10,000 people are diagnosed with the condition each year.

About four million people worldwide are estimated to have the disease.