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The recently concluded PAN Conference in Washington DC, Sunday included a session Moderated by Morton Kondrake of the PAN Board of Directors. Dr. Kenneth Somerville of Schwarz Biosciences brought us up to date on "The Patch" and their newly FDA approved drug, Paracopa. The transdermal delivery product in trials called "The Patch" has been tested in general and advanced populations. The patch tested in general populations was 13.5 mg dose. The results of that trial, at the end of 6 months, was that there was a 5% increase in UPDRS scores with only minor side effects such as site reaction and dizziness. The advanced group received the 18 and 27 mg dose patches. OFF time was decreased by 2 hours with no dsykinesia with the 18 mg dose. Schwarz received approval last August for a "melt in the mouth" carbidopa/levodopa formulation for those who because of lack of available water to take tablets can take their carbidopa/levodopa on the run. It may also be helpful for those with swallowing difficulties since the the tablet dissolves on the tongue and is absorbed without having to pass to the small intestine. Both Sinemet and Paracopa are equivalent. 45 vs 27 percent preferred Paracopa's convenience. To learn more about Paracopa visit their website: http://www.parcopa.com/about/index.html John Cottingham ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn