Abstract / Summary
Abstract Motor fluctuations are a common and burdensome complication of Parkinson’s disease (PD) when the disease progresses, largely driven by the short half-life and variable absorption of immediate-release (IR) levodopa. IPX203 is a next-generation modified-release levodopa/carbidopa formulation that delivers rapid onset and sustained plasma levodopa concentrations through IR granules and extended-release pellets. Clinical studies have shown that IPX203 increases Good ON time (ON time without dyskinesia plus ON time with non-troublesome dyskinesia, equivalent to ON time without troublesome dyskinesia), reduces OFF time and improves motor symptom control compared with IR levodopa/carbidopa. In anticipation of the introduction of IPX203 in Europe, nine PD specialists convened to develop consensus recommendations for its use in clinical practice. Through a structured process incorporating predefined statements, voting and moderated discussion, the group reached high levels of agreement (88.9% to 100%) across seven topics. These included defining motor symptoms control, identifying patients most likely to benefit from IPX203, positioning of IPX203 within the treatment pathway, practical considerations for switching to IPX203 from current regimens and recommendations for monitoring and follow-up. The experts emphasised that IPX203 should be considered for patients with motor fluctuations insufficiently controlled on optimised oral levodopa therapy, before introduction of device-aided therapies. They highlighted the need for flexible dose adjustments, comprehensive patient and neurologist education and practical tools to support conversion to IPX203. This consensus insight provides practical guidance for integrating IPX203 into routine care of PD patients with motor fluctuations, aiming to increase mobility and reduce treatment burden for patients with PD.