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Adjunctive Treatments and Apomorphine for Treatment of Parkinson Disease

Panelists discuss how adjunctive therapies play a crucial role in managing Parkinson disease symptoms, with a particular focus on apomorphine’s unique position in the treatment landscape due to its distinct dopamine receptor binding profile compared with other dopaminergic agents.

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Adjunctive Therapy and Apomorphine’s Role

Role of Adjunctive Therapy:

  • Extends levodopa efficacy by addressing pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic limitations
  • Allows for levodopa dose reduction while maintaining symptom control
  • Targets specific symptom patterns (eg, morning akinesia, wearing off)
  • Addresses treatment gaps not fully managed by levodopa

Apomorphine’s Position in Treatment Landscape:

  • Potent, nonergoline dopamine agonist
  • Rapid-onset rescue medication for acute off episodes
  • Continuous infusion option for patients with frequent off periods
  • Bypass gastrointestinal absorption issues via subcutaneous administration
  • Often considered before surgical interventions such as deep brain stimulation

Dopamine Receptor Binding Profile:

  • High affinity for D2 receptors (similar to other dopamine agonists)
  • Additional significant D1 receptor activity (more similar to levodopa)
  • Some D3 and D4 receptor activity
  • More balanced receptor profile than most oral dopamine agonists
  • Rapid onset of action (10-20 minutes) compared with oral medications
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