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Updated: Nov 7, 2025
23:53
Ole Isacson: Development of New Therapies for Parkinson's Disease
Published on: April 29, 2007
8.2K
[Apomorphine: a powerful ally in Parkinson's disease]
A Alonso-Canovas1, J C Martínez-Castrillo1,2
1Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, 28034 Madrid, España.
Revista De Neurologia
|April 28, 2021
Summary
Apomorphine, a dopamine agonist, effectively manages Parkinson's disease (PD) motor symptoms and shows promise for non-motor symptoms. Optimal timing and patient selection are crucial for maximizing its benefits in PD treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Apomorphine is a D1-D2 dopamine agonist, a foundational treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD).
- It demonstrates symptomatic efficacy comparable to levodopa.
- Its utility in managing motor fluctuations via injections and infusions is well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a narrative review of scientific literature from 1951-2020.
- To analyze apomorphine's role across diverse clinical symptoms and stages of Parkinson's disease.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search (1951-2020).
- Analysis of studies evaluating apomorphine's efficacy.
- Focus on both established and emerging clinical applications.
Main Results:
- Apomorphine improves motor fluctuations (on-time, off-time, dystonia) and quality of life in advanced PD.
- Evidence supports its efficacy in non-motor symptoms, including visual hallucinations and neuropsychiatric issues.
- Potential benefits extend to dyskinesia and axial features, with a lower risk of impulse control disorders.
Conclusions:
- Apomorphine offers therapeutic applications beyond motor symptom control in Parkinson's disease.
- Identifying suitable patients and determining optimal treatment timing are key to its successful application.
- Further research may clarify its role in managing the multifaceted symptoms of PD.
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