FDA approves new levodopa/carbidopa formulation for use in Parkinson’s

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new, long-acting oral formulation for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Developed by Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Crexont aims to offer patients improved symptom control through fewer doses of medication.  

Crexont includes both immediate- and extended-release levodopa plus carbidopa in one pill. The medication aims to alleviate symptoms for longer with fewer doses. Levodopa/carbidopa is commonly used to treat the motor symptoms (tremor, slowness, stiffness) of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Parkinson’s disrupts dopamine production in the brain, leading to the motor symptoms of PD. Levodopa helps temporarily replace some of the lost dopamine; carbidopa helps improve uptake of levodopa.