GSK Launches ReQuip XL(R) (ropinirole Prolonged-release Tablets) A New Once Daily Formulation For The Treatment Of Parkinson's Disease

Main Category: Parkinson's Disease
Article Date: 19 May 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) have announced the launch of a new treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD) in the UK. ReQuip XL® (ropinirole prolonged-release tablets) is the UK's first and only once-daily non-ergot oral dopamine agonist available for the treatment of PD1, providing continuous delivery of ropinirole from a single daily dose2.

Ropinirole prolonged-release is approved for the treatment of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (Monotherapy and Adjunct Therapy) in patients already taking ropinirole immediate release tablets and in whom adequate symptomatic control has been established1.

Although a number of therapies are available for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, interim results from a recent pan-European survey of 1,026 people conducted by the European Parkinson's Disease Association (EPDA) suggest that there is still a significant unmet need for the treatment of PD3.

The clinical trials programme has demonstrated that ropinirole prolonged-release tablets are an effective agent, generally well-tolerated in the treatment of both early- and advanced stage PD1,4,5.

In a 24-week, double blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study of advanced stage PD patients, ropinirole prolonged-release produced a significant reduction in awake time spent 'off' with no increase in troublesome dyskinesias during 'on' time compared to placebo when used as an adjunct to L-dopa5.

Ropinirole prolonged-release tablets have been studied in 620 patients in controlled studies lasting over six months. In total, over 1.3 million patient years' experience exists with ropinirole 3x-daily in clinical practice6.

GSK has developed the ReQuip Patient Support Service (RPSS) to offer PD patients free guidance and support should they decide with their healthcare professional to switch from ropinirole 3x-daily to ropinirole prolonged-release. The RPSS is designed to complement the care provided by their NHS health professionals. The service comprises proactive telephone calls over a three-month period from trained health professionals (including nurses) to patients starting ropinirole prolonged-release tablets, to help ensure a smooth transition from ropinirole 3x-daily to ropinirole prolonged-release.

Notes

For full prescribing information, including Clinical Particulars and Pharmacological Properties, please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics included in this press kit. If the SPC is missing, please contact any of the individuals listed at the end of this release for a copy.

'®' is a Registered Trademark of GlaxoSmithKline

References

1. ReQuip XL Summary of Product Characteristics
2. Tompson D, Vearer D. Pharmacokinetic properties of a new 24-hour prolonged-release formulation of ropinirole. Clin Ther 2007;29:2654-2666
3. The Real Life Real PD Survey 2007. (Online questionnaire completed by over 1,000 respondents across 20 European countries). European Parkinson's Disease Association. Sponsored by GSK
4. Stocchi F, Giorgi L. Eu J Neurol 2006; 13 (S2): 205. P2141 (poster presented at EFNS, Glasgow, 2-5 September 2006)
5. Pahwa R et al. Neurology 2007; 68: 1108-1115

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