A treatment that improves uptake of dopamine in patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease has gained approval for use in the NHS in England, it has been announced.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence said its decision was the first time it has approved a treatment for the disease.
The approval has been given to a treatment delivered by infusion pumps over 24 hours combining the drugs foslevodopa and foscarbidopa. Foslevodopa is a drug that turns into dopamine in the body.
NICE said it had agreed the treatment after initial hesitation about its cost and effectiveness. It is to be used when patients cannot have other treatments for advanced disease such as deep brain stimulation or apomorphine.
NICE said the evidence from a clinical trial had shown the treatment improves motor symptoms.
Its director of medicines evaluation Helen Knight said: “Foslevodopa–foscarbidopa represents an important new treatment for people with advanced Parkinson’s, providing an easy-to-use option that can help them manage their symptoms more reliably and effectively.
“This is the first time NICE has approved a treatment for Parkinson’s and comes after NICE was able to work with the company to address the issues that had initially prevented a positive recommendation. We are determined to get the best care to patients fast and ensure value for the taxpayer.”
Leave a Reply