Insight on USFDA approval of new add-on drug, Nourianz (istradefylline), to treat off episodes in adults with Parkinson’s disease

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Nourianz (istradefylline) tablets as an add-on treatment to levodopa/carbidopa in adult patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experiencing “off” episodes. An “off” episode is a time when a patient’s medications are not working well, causing an increase in PD symptoms, such as tremor and difficulty walking.

The effectiveness of Nourianz in treating “off” episodes in patients with PD who are already being treated with levodopa/carbidopa was shown in four 12-week placebo-controlled clinical studies that included a total of 1,143 participants. In all four studies, patients treated with Nourianz experienced a statistically significant decrease from baseline in daily “off” time compared to patients receiving a placebo.

The FDA granted approval of Nourianz to Kyowa Kirin, Inc.