Study claims earlier treatment with Azilect can slow Parkinson's progression

24 September 2009

Results of a clinical study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine suggest that earlier treatment with the drug Azilect (rasagiline) can slow the progression of the condition for people with newly diagnosed Parkinson's.

The ADAGIO trial

The 18-month ADAGIO trial included 1,176 people with very early Parkinson's who had not been treated previously. The trial was carried out by Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, USA.

Some people were given 1 or 2 milligrams of Azilect once a day for 72 weeks, while others received a placebo for the first 36 weeks before switching to the actual drug.

Those who took Azilect once a day at the outset of the trial experienced a slower decline in disease progression in the early part of the trial, and a steadying of symptoms in the latter part.

These findings suggest that early intervention with Azilect within months of diagnosis could help delay the onset of more severe symptoms.

How does Azilect work?

Azilect was introduced in 2005 to treat the sypmtoms of Parkinson's.

The drug works by inhibiting the production of an enzyme that burns up dopamine, consequently increasing levels of the chemical. In Parkinson's disease, levels of dopamine are decreased due to the death of specific nerve cells. 

Further studies needed

While welcoming the results of the trial, Dr Kieran Breen, Director of Research for the Parkinson's Disease Society, said:

"This study shows that over a small time period there seems to be an advantage in earlier treatment for newly diagnosed people with Parkinson's. However, we really don't know if this will be maintained over the long term.

"Also, we require further studies to find out whether this effect is specific for Azilect, or would also be seen in people who are prescribed other drugs at an early stage of the disease."

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