FDA approves new Parkinson’s drug

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new medication to help people with Parkinson’s disease.

The FDA granted Newron Pharmaceuticals approval for Xadago (safinamide) tablets, an add-on treatment for people with Parkinson’s disease who are currently taking levodopa/carbidopa and experiencing “off” episodes.  An “off” episode is when a person’s medications are not working well, which causes an increase in Parkinson’s symptoms.

“Parkinson’s is a relentless disease without a cure,” said Eric Bastings, MD, deputy director of the Division of Neurology Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, in a press release. “We are committed to helping make additional treatments for Parkinson’s disease available to patients.”

In two separate clinical trials, Xadago was shown to increase more beneficial “on” time, a period when Parkinson’s symptoms are reduced, without uncontrolled involuntary movement, dyskinesia; reduced “off” time; and better motor functioning assessment scores than before treatment.

Nicole Stempak

Nicole was Senior Editor at I Advance Senior Care and Long Term Living Magazine 2015-2017. She has a Journalism degree from Kent State University and is finalizing a master’s degree in Information Architecture and Management. She has extensive studies in the digital user experience and in branding online media. She has worked as an editor and writer for various B2B publications, including Business Finance.