Dual-Action Therapy to Prevent L-DOPA-Induced Dyskinesia

Background:

L-DOPA is the gold-standard treatment for Parkinson’s disease, but up to 90% of patients eventually develop L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID), characterized by involuntary, disabling movements. Current therapies, such as amantadine, provide limited benefit and introduce side effects that compromise patient outcomes. There is a pressing need for an approach that prevents or mitigates LID while preserving L-DOPA’s motor efficacy, ensuring patients maintain quality of life over the long term.

Technology Overview:

This invention repurposes vilazodone, an FDA-approved antidepressant, for the treatment of Parkinson’s dyskinesia. Vilazodone’s dual mechanism—serotonin reuptake inhibition and serotonin 5-HT1A receptor partial agonism—modulates the serotonergic signaling pathways implicated in LID. When administered alongside L-DOPA (and carbidopa if needed), vilazodone suppresses abnormal striatal gene activation driving dyskinesia while maintaining dopamine-mediated motor improvements. The therapy can be formulated as a single oral dosage, streamlining patient treatment and improving adherence.

Advantages:

• Reduces both onset and severity of dyskinesia more effectively than amantadine
• Maintains L-DOPA’s motor benefits while mitigating side effects
• Unique dual-action mechanism targeting serotonin reuptake and 5-HT1A receptor activity
• Accelerated clinical development pathway due to vilazodone’s existing FDA approval
• Potential for co-formulation with L-DOPA for a simplified oral therapy regimen
• Broader therapeutic potential for tardive dyskinesia and other movement disorders

Applications:

• Long-term Parkinson’s patients receiving L-DOPA therapy
• Tardive dyskinesia patients with involuntary movements caused by chronic antipsychotic use
• Prophylactic therapy for newly diagnosed Parkinson’s patients starting L-DOPA treatment

Intellectual Property Summary:

• US Provisional Application 62/751,247 – Filed October 26, 2018, Converted
• PCT Application PCT/US2019/58199 – Filed October 25, 2019, Published WO 2020/087031
• US Utility Application 17/240,969 – Filed April 26, 2021, Patent No. 12,285,426, Status: Filed
• US Utility Application 17/288,822 – Filed April 26, 2021, Published US 2021-0393621 A1, Status: Filed
• European Patent Application EP19875392.3 – Filed October 25, 2019, Published EP3870292A1

Stage of Development:

Preclinical – Demonstrated efficacy in preclinical models of Parkinson’s disease with significant reduction in dyskinesia severity while maintaining motor performance. TRL ~3–4.

Licensing Status:

This technology is available for licensing.

Licensing Potential:

Strong potential for licensing to pharmaceutical companies focused on neurology and movement disorders, particularly those developing Parkinson’s disease therapies or drug repurposing strategies.

Additional Information:

Preclinical efficacy data, dosing studies, and mechanism of action research available upon request.