XP-21279
Sustained-release levodopa prodrug
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
XP-21279 is a sustained-release levodopa (L-DOPA) prodrug and hence a dopamine precursor and non-selective dopamine receptor agonist which was under development for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.[4][1][3] It is taken by mouth.[1][2][3]
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| Other names | XP21279 |
| Routes of administration | Oral[1][2][3] |
| Drug class | Dopamine precursor; Dopamine receptor agonist |
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| Formula | C19H21NO6 |
| Molar mass | 359.378 g·mol−1 |
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Pharmacology
The drug is said to add a five-carbon ester conjugate to levodopa that allows it to be actively transported by high-capacity nutrient transporters throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract.[2][3][5] Subsequently, it is rapidly converted into levodopa by carboxylesterases.[2][3][5] Levodopa itself can only be transported by a short section of the small intestine and hence XP-21279 allows more time for levodopa to be absorbed, in turn resulting in an increased duration and possibly reduced fluctuations in dopamine levels between levodopa doses.[1][2][3]
Clinical studies
As of June 2015, XP-21279 was in phase 2 clinical trials.[4] As of May 2022, there have been no further developmental updates.[4] It was reported in 2018 that development of the drug had been discontinued several years prior.[6] A 2019 review reported that results were conflicting in phase 2 trials and that this likely resulted in the discontinuation of the drug's development.[5]