New York, NY, August 28, 2017 – The American Parkinson Disease Association is pleased to share with the Parkinson’s community the arrival of a new medication in the treatment arsenal to address Parkinson’s symptoms.
Approved August 24 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is GOCOVRI™ (amantadine) developed by Adamas. GOCOVRI is an extended release capsule for treatment of dyskinesia in patients with Parkinson’s disease receiving levodopa-based therapy, with or without concomitant dopaminergic medications.
Dr. David G. Standaert, Chairman of Scientific & Advisory Board of the American Parkinson Disease Association says, “Dyskinesia is often a disabling symptom, and new treatments for this are an important unmet need. While the active ingredient, amantadine, has been available for many years, this new formulation is the first treatment specifically approved by the FDA for dyskinesia, and offers the prospect of better efficacy and reduced side effects.”
Dyskinesia results from levodopa-based Parkinson’s disease treatment and is characterized by involuntary and non-rhythmic movements that are purposeless and unpredictable, which impacts the activities of daily living. GOCOVRI is the first FDA-approved treatment of dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease. GOCOVRI is a high dose of amantadine taken once-daily at bedtime that delivers consistently high levels of amantadine from the morning and throughout the day when dyskinesia occurs.
GOCOVRI is expected to be formally launched in January 2018. Adamas is committed to helping people gain access to the treatment and has created GOCOVRI Onboard, a patient services program, which will facilitate access and distribution of the drug. GOCOVRI Onboard will work with patients, families and physicians to obtain access to GOCOVRI via reimbursement support, prescription fulfillment and financial assistance to patients in need.
To learn more about Parkinson’s disease treatment options you may view APDA’s webinar:
Spotlight on Parkinson’s disease Treatment Advances
The American Parkinson Disease Association recommends discussing these therapies with your neurologist before making any changes to your treatment plan.