Phase IIa Multicentre Study Investigating of VR040 in Parkinson's Disease

'Off periods' where people with Parkinson's disease are slow, stiff and unable to function are disabling, and a treatment which can converts people to a "on", good, able to function state would be extremely useful. We assessed safety, tolerability and efficacy of inhaled dry powder apomorphine (VR040) in a clinic-based study in this setting.

Background: 'Off' periods increase as Parkinson's disease progresses and the benefits of standard therapy wane. Subcutaneous apomorphine rescues 'off' periods, but patient self-injection and adverse cutaneous effects are sometimes problematic. Methods: We assessed safety, tolerability and efficacy of inhaled dry powder apomorphine (VR040) in a clinic-based Phase II study. Of 48 patients recruited at 9 sites, 47 were randomized 2:1 inhaled apomorphine:placebo. Respirable doses (drug predicted to reach the lung) ascending through 1.5mg, 2.3mg, 3.0mg, and 4.0mg until efficacy was achieved, were administered to patients in a practically defined 'off' state. The primary endpoint was the response in unified Parkinson's disease rating scale Part 3 (UPDRS 3), at the highest dose received by the patient. Secondary endpoints included time to 'on', the proportion of patients converting from 'off' to 'on', and pharmacokinetics.