Scientists hope a new weekly injection to treat Parkinson’s disease could be a 'game-changer' for millions of patients. The neuro-degenerative condition is the fastest growing in the world, but Adelaide researchers say their newest development has the potential to simplify treatment.
00:00After more than two years of research, a long-awaited breakthrough.
00:07I think I was very happy and excited. I couldn't sleep.
00:11Scientists from the University of South Australia have developed a long-acting injection to treat Parkinson's disease,
00:18which they hope could one day replace the need for multiple daily oral medications.
00:24Especially considering elderly patients, they have to remember each medication timing and take the medication.
00:30Even if they miss a single dose, they can't perform day-to-day activities normally.
00:35Almost 50% of patients don't take medicines as recommended by doctors, especially in chronic conditions.
00:41The formula combines two commonly used medications to treat Parkinson's, Levodopa and Carbidopa, into a single dose.
00:50What it does is one injection will be good for one week as compared to a patient taking three or four tablets every day.
00:58Once injected under the skin, the formula is designed to slowly release over seven days.
01:04The injection is yet to be clinically tested in humans, but researchers hope to begin animal trials in six months' time.
01:12A development which could help patients like Peter Willis, who was diagnosed a decade ago.
01:18He takes medications four times every day, but admits it's easy to forget.
01:24If you don't take the tablet on time, you discover you can't walk.
01:29Even missing a single tablet can lead to worsening symptoms.
01:33You sort of lose your energy. It's as if you run out of fuel.
01:39You take the tablet again and then it picks up.
01:41Parkinson's Australia says the injection is a breakthrough, with little in the way of research and progress in treating the disease in recent years.
01:50It will reduce falls risks. It will mean that people can actively participate in everyday life, like work and sports and volunteering.
01:58It's going to be a game changer.
02:00A new hope for an improved quality of life.
02:03A new hope for an improved quality of life.
02:05It's to be a challenge.
02:06How far can the amazing best practice of life
