•XadagoTM is an oral tablet indicated for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, as add-on tolevodopa.2
•Approximately 100,000 Australians live with Parkinson’s disease, with over 13,000 new casesdiagnosed each year.3,4
•As Parkinson’s disease progresses, symptoms become increasingly prevalent and can havesignificant impact on daily life,5,6 highlighting the need for additional treatment options.
A new Parkinson’s treatment option, XadagoTM (safinamide), has been reimbursed through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).1
Xadago is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with Parkinson’s disease as add-on therapy to levodopa,2 and is taken when levodopa on its own (or with other medicines) does not control the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.2
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the world,7,8 and latest research conservatively estimates that more than 100,000 Australians are living with Parkinson’s disease with more than 13,000 new cases diagnosed each year.3,4
Levodopa is the main treatment for Parkinson’s,9 but as the disease is degenerative, dopamine levels in the brain continue to decline, meaning levodopa is effective over shorter periods of time.10 Doctors may use a variety of strategies to address this issue including changing the dose or formulation of levodopa, or adding in other medications.10
Dr Andrew Evans, Director Movement Disorders Service at the Royal Melbourne Hospital said “We still have a long way to go in understanding what causes Parkinson’s disease and how to improve management of symptoms, but with the availability of additional treatments to add on to levodopa, it does mean we have more options to help patients.”
People living with Parkinson’s disease can experience a range of symptoms including slowed movement (bradykinesia), shaking (tremor), muscle stiffness (rigidity) and unstable posture and movement (gait).11,12
These symptoms are caused by a lack of dopamine,4 a chemical messenger in the brain which is particularly important in controlling motor functions and therefore movement.
In addition to the recognisable impact of Parkinson’s on the body and how it moves, Parkinson’s disease can also have a significant impact on a person’s day to day life as the disease progresses, including eating, drinking, getting dressed or showering, mobility, speech and other activities.5,6
Steve Sant, CEO of Parkinson’s Australia
/Public Release.
