Dual-release formulation, a novel principle in L-dopa treatment of Parkinson's disease

A single morning dose of dual-release formulation was compared with a slow- release formulation of L-dopa plus benserazide in a randomized, double-blin d, cross-over study in 16 fluctuating patients with PD. The mean time to "o n" was shorter with the dual-release formulation (43 +/- 31 minutes) than w ith the slow-release formulation (81 +/- 39 minutes) (p < 0.001), whereas t he mean time to relapse to "off" was similar for both formulations. The dua l-release formulation had a significantly shorter time to reach peak concen tration (t(max)) and greater maximum concentration (C,,) and area under the plasma concentration time curve (AUC(0-5) h) than the slow-release formula tion, whereas apparent elimination half-life (t(1/2)) was similar for both formulations.