Analyzing ABBV-951 for Parkinson’s Disease: A Promise in Addressing Motor Fluctuations and Enhancing Quality of Life

• ABBV-951, an innovative investigational drug developed by AbbVie, offers hope for patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease by providing continuous subcutaneous delivery of carbidopa and levodopa prodrugs, aiming to address motor fluctuations more effectively than oral medication.
• Leveraging its small molecule design and targeted action on dopamine receptors, ABBV-951 presents a promising approach to managing the challenging symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including tremors, muscle rigidity, and impaired movement, offering potential improvements in patients’ quality of life.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) poses significant challenges as it progresses, with motor fluctuations and dyskinesias often difficult to control using traditional oral medications. However, recent studies presented at the American Academy of Neurology conference in 2024 shed light on a potential breakthrough in PD treatment: ABBV-951, an investigational drug developed by AbbVie.

Several key studies on ABBV-951 were presented, each highlighting different aspects of its efficacy, safety, and impact on patients’ quality of life.

Efficacy in Motor Fluctuations

A Phase III randomized study (NCT04380142) compared the efficacy of subcutaneous foslevodopa/foscarbidopa (LDP/CDP) with oral levodopa/carbidopa (LD/CD) in patients with advanced PD.

Results indicated that patients receiving LDP/CDP experienced significant improvements in “On” time without troublesome dyskinesia, particularly those under 65 years old. Numerical improvements were also observed in other subgroups. Overall, ABBV-951 showed greater benefits across all subgroups compared to oral medication, with no significant differences in treatment response between subgroups.

Quality of Life Effects

A post hoc analysis focused on the impact of continuous subcutaneous infusion of ABBV-951 on patients’ quality of life, measured using the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire-39 (PDQ-39) subdomains. Results revealed improvements in mobility and stigma compared to oral medication, with statistically significant within-group improvements observed in mobility, activities of daily living, stigma, and bodily discomfort among ABBV-951-treated patients.

These findings align with previous long-term trials, indicating consistent benefits in quality of life measures over time.

Long-term Safety and Tolerability

A Phase III open-label extension study (NCT04379050) evaluated the long-term safety and tolerability of ABBV-951 in PD patients. Results demonstrated that ABBV-951 was generally safe and well tolerated, with most adverse events being non-serious and mild/moderate in severity. Moreover, improvements in motor fluctuations, morning akinesia, and quality of life observed in the parent study were maintained throughout the long-term extension, highlighting the sustained efficacy of ABBV-951.

In summary, ABBV-951 represents a promising advancement in the treatment of advanced PD. Its subcutaneous delivery mechanism offers potential benefits in improving motor fluctuations, enhancing quality of life, and maintaining long-term efficacy and safety. As further research unfolds, ABBV-951 may emerge as a valuable addition to the armamentarium for managing Parkinson’s disease, providing hope for patients and clinicians alike.