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ORALLY DISINTEGRATING PARCOPA APPROVED FOR TREATING PARKINSON'S DISEASE Aug 31, 2004 Faxwatch © 2004 The Food and Drug Administration approved Schwarz Pharma Inc.’s Parcopa (carbidopa/levodopa) orally disintegrating tablets for treating the symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease, postencephalitic parkinsonism and symptomatic parkinsonism that may come after injury to the nervous system by carbon monoxide and/or manganese intoxication. Unlike conventional carbidopa/levodopa tablets, Parcopa dissolves on the tongue, using Schwarz's RapiTab technology. The technology is based on DuraSolv technology, which Schwarz licensed from CIMA Labs Inc. CIMA is also responsible for manufacturing Parcopa for Schwarz. The drug is expected to be available in 10 mg/100 mg, 25 mg/100 mg and 25 mg/250 mg tablets in pharmacies at the end of September. “[B]ecause Parcopa does not require water, patients can easily take it upon waking to help get morning routines moving, resulting in an easier start to the day,” said Ron Stratton, president and chief operating officer of Schwarz. “They may also attain a greater sense of control over daily activities and reduce concern about dosing to treat 'off periods’ by having Parcopa readily accessible at all times.” Schwarz noted that patients with Parkinson’s disease experience morning rigidity or “off periods” of decreased movement or complete immobility, which can make it difficult to take medication. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn