Inhaled Levodopa Product Launches in Germany

Acorda Therapeutics said recently its levodopa inhalation powder for Parkinson disease (PD) has launched in Germany.

The product, sold as Inbrija, is commercialized in Germany through an agreement with Esteve Pharmaceuticals GmbH.

The inhaled levodopa is indicated in the European Union for the intermittent treatment of episodic motor fluctuations (known as off episodes) in adult patients with PD treated with a levodopa/dopa-decarboxylase inhibitor.

Under the terms of the distribution and supply agreements, Acorda will receive a significant double-digit percent of the selling price of the product in Germany in exchange for supply of the product, and will receive additional sales-based milestones. Acorda expects to start receiving revenue from the supply of the product during the second quarter of 2022.

PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in Germany; according to current population estimates, there are up to 400,000 people living with PD in Germany, and there are 20 new cases per 10,000 people per year. Most cases occur between the ages of 55 and 65, and men are diagnosed more often than women.

Acorda had also previously announced an agreement with Esteve to commercialize the inhaled levodopa in Spain with a commercial launch in early 2023 and an agreement with Biopas Laboratories to commercialize the product in Latin America. Acorda said it continues to be in active discussions with additional companies for distribution rights in other countries throughout the world.

“We are excited that INBRIJA is now available to the people with Parkinson’s in Germany who may benefit from a newttreatment to address their OFF periods,” Kerry Clem, chief commercial officer of Acorda Therapeutics, said in a statement. “Esteve has a significant presence in Europe and an excellent track record of successfully commercializing neurological products there.”