DM-1992 (Parkinson’s Disease Compound)

Parkinson's disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects nearly one million Americans, with significant prevalence growth expected over the next 25 years due to aging population demographics. Nearly 5 million worldwide are estimated to have Parkinson’s. While the average age at onset is 60, disease onset starts by age 40 in an estimated five to 10 percent of patients, and people as young as 30 can also be affected. Current therapies are effective in addressing only the mild/moderate motor symptoms of the disease and have significant long-term side effects. There are no drugs available that target the numerous non-motor aspects of the disease or that modify the underlying degenerative process.

Levodopa/carbidopa is the gold standard treatment of Parkinson’s Disease but currently has significant limitations with inconsistent efficacy (blood level fluctuations) and inconvenient dosing (4-6 times daily) since it is absorbed in the upper GI tract. Levodopa/Carbidopa is available as a generic (brand name Sinemet) and had $270 M in sales in the U.S. in 2006.

DM-1992, Depomed’s novel gastric retention formulation using its AcuForm™ technology, could optimize Levodopa/Carbidopa’s window of absorption and thus could smooth out blood level fluctuations and achieve more consistent efficacy, as well as reduce dosing frequency.

Development Status

In July 2008, The Michael J. Fox Foundation awarded Depomed a preclinical development grant to support the DM-1992 program.

Source: Medtrack