A new selective suicide inhibitor of peripheral DOPA decarboxylase

Although the present study is based on a small number of patients, our clinical data clearly show that DFMD is as effective as other peripheral decarboxylase inhibitors in potentiating the action of L-DOPA. In 3 patients, we observed an improvement above that with previous therapy. This may suggest that in some patients DFMD is either more effective than other decarboxylase inhibitors or that it has its own effect. Subjective complaints with DFMD were frequent and 9 of the 10 patients preferred their previous therapy. In 5 patients, we observed an increase in blood pressure while on DFMD plus L-DOPA and 2 had EEG changes. These effects appear to be drug-related. Because of its side effects, DFMD cannot be considered in this form as a useful adjuvant in Parkinson therapy. However, further studies are necessary for the development of selective inhibitors.