Neupro(R) (Rotigotine Transdermal System) Effective in Controlling Early Morning Motor Impairment and Generally Well-Tolerated for Long-Term Use in Patients with Parkinson...( - Data Presented at the 132nd Annual...),Health

- Data Presented at the 132nd Annual Meeting of the American Neurological

Association in Washington, D.C. -

ATLANTA, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- UCB, Inc. presented data from two clinical trials that showed Neupro(R) (Rotigotine Transdermal System), a once-daily non-ergolinic dopamine agonist patch, is effective in controlling early morning motor impairment, provides improvement in sleep quality, and is generally well-tolerated for long-term use in patients with Parkinson's disease. Studies examining patients who have either early or advanced-stage Parkinson's disease were also presented.

"Neupro offers continuous delivery of a dopamine agonist for 24 hours, leading to stable plasma levels," said Rajesh Pahwa, M.D., Professor of Neurology and Director of the Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorder Center at the University of Kansas Medical Center. "These data showed that Neupro has a positive effect on patients' early morning symptoms, improves quality of sleep, and is generally well-tolerated for long-term use in patients with Parkinson's disease." Dr. Pahwa is an investigator for the long-term, open- label study.

An open-label, single-arm, exploratory 18-week study investigated the efficacy of Neupro(R) on early morning motor impairment and sleep disorders. Fifty-four patients with mostly advanced-stage Parkinson's disease and unsatisfactory control of these symptoms received Neupro(R) in doses from 4 to 16 mg/24 hours during a 4-week maintenance period. Motor improvement upon waking and changes in sleep disturbances were assessed.

Forty-nine percent of patients treated per protocol with Neupro(R) showed considerable improvement in early morning motor function sufficient to meet response criteria (greater than or equal to 30% improvement of UPDRS III score). Nocturnal akinesia -- inability to move at night -- was reduced by 56%, and improvement was also noted in nocturnal dystonia -- painful muscle contraction -- and
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