Survey Overview

In a groundbreaking survey from the InfusON study (NCT02339064), patients using continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion (CSAI) therapy have expressed overwhelming support for the treatment, particularly in managing Parkinson's disease (PD) symptoms. The survey results reveal that patients adapted remarkably well to the CSAI device, integrating it seamlessly into their daily lives. In fact, a staggering 95% of respondents would recommend CSAI to others battling PD, marking a significant endorsement for this innovative therapy.

Highlights from the Congress Presentation

Presented at the 2024 International Congress of Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders, held between September 27 and October 1 in Philadelphia, lead author Dr. Pinky Agarwal, a renowned neurologist at Booth Gardner Parkinson’s Care Center, highlighted that 63% of participants were able to set up their CSAI therapy independently. This demonstrates not only the efficacy of the device but also the confidence it instills in users. An impressive 68% of those surveyed adjusted to wearing the device comfortably within just two weeks!

Study Background

The InfusON study enrolled patients who were on levodopa but continued to experience motor fluctuations despite optimized oral medications. Participants initiated therapy in an outpatient setting, starting with a 1-2 mg bolus followed by a continuous infusion, carefully titrated to balance effectiveness and tolerability—all while not exceeding 8 mg/h or 150 mg daily.

User Experience with Setup

While 74% of participants noted that setting up the infusion initially took longer than ten minutes, the majority improved their setup time to between 5 to 10 minutes after becoming acclimated to the process. 16% still reported discomfort with the device, but notably, this did not lead to any discontinuations.

Practicality of CSAI

Highlighting the practicality of CSAI, patients reported using various infusion sites on their bodies, with the abdomen and shoulders being favored locations. The results of this survey have significant implications for the future treatment of motor fluctuations in PD, emphasizing the role of patient experiences in influencing clinical decisions regarding treatment duration.

Impacts of the CSAI on Patient Care

In connection to these findings, earlier in 2024 at the 3rd Annual Advanced Therapeutics in Movement and Related Disorders Congress, data from the phase 3 InfusON trial demonstrated that CSAI significantly lessened OFF time—periods when the medication isn't working effectively—thus improving overall quality of life for patients. By the end of the 52-week maintenance period, 61% of patients had met the response criteria, showcasing the sustained benefits of this therapy.

Safety and Adverse Events

Importantly, among 99 patients studied, the adverse events reported were generally mild to moderate, such as infusion site reactions, dyskinesia, and nausea, which were manageable. Interestingly, the totality of these experiences signifies a tremendous step forward in Parkinson's care, emphasizing the need for innovative therapies like CSAI.

Conclusion

For those navigating the challenges of Parkinson's disease, CSAI might just be the breakthrough treatment you've been waiting for! Would you consider trying it?