Weekly injection could replace daily pills for Parkinson’s, researchers say

Researchers in Australia have developed a weekly injection for Parkinson’s disease that could replace the need for patients to take multiple daily pills.

The treatment combines two key Parkinson’s drugs – levodopa and carbidopa – in a single injectable dose that releases gradually over seven days.

After more than two years of research, the team says it could reduce the treatment burden for people who currently take several pills multiple times a day on a strict schedule.

Parkinson’s affects more than 10 million people globally, with men around 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed than women.

It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s, causing symptoms such as tremor, muscle rigidity, slowness of movement and balance problems that can raise the risk of falls.

University of South Australia researcher Deepa Nakmode said: “Especially concerning elderly patients, they have to remember each medication timely, and take the medication.

“Even if they miss a single dose, they can’t perform day-to-day activities normally.”

The injection has not yet undergone clinical trials in humans, with animal testing due to start in the coming months.

For people like Peter Willis, diagnosed with Parkinson’s 10 years ago and currently taking medication four times daily, the development could be life-changing.

He said: “If you don’t take the tablet on time, you discover you can’t walk.

“You sort of lose your energy as if you run out of fuel. You take the tablet again and then it picks up.”

Parkinson’s Australia has welcomed the research, noting the slow pace of treatment innovation in recent years.

Parkinson’s Australia CEO Olivia Nassaris said: “It will reduce falls risks, it will mean that people can actively participate in everyday life like work and sport and volunteering.

“It’s going to be a game-changer.”