MAY 13, 2020 3:44 PM PDT

Drug Targets Off Episodes of Parkinson

WRITTEN BY: Nouran Amin

A novel drug was approved by the FDA to target the “off” episodes of Parkinson disease. The drug is referred to as ‘Ongentys’ which is a catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor that when combined with another drug improves treatment efficacy. In other words, Ongentys works with levodopa to increase more dopamine entry into the brain.

Learn more about Parkinson:

Dopamine is brain fuel that stimulates normal movements and decreases symptoms associated with Parkinson.

Learn more about dopamine:

Some adverse effects associated with Ongentys use includes abnormal dreams, headaches, sleep challenges, hallucinations, and low blood pressure. Although some complications, such as dyskinesia (involuntary movements), is related to levodopa boost rather than Ongentys alone.

Source: MichaelJFox.org

About the Author
Doctorate (PhD)
Nouran is a scientist, educator, and life-long learner with a passion for making science more communicable. When not busy in the lab isolating blood macrophages, she enjoys writing on various STEM topics.
You May Also Like
Loading Comments...