Scientists at the University of South Australia have developed a long-acting injectable treatment that could revolutionise the way people with Parkinson’s disease manage their symptoms—by replacing the need for multiple daily pills with a single weekly dose.
The treatment, still in the testing phase, combines two widely used medications—levodopa and carbidopa—into a single biodegradable solution. When injected, it forms a small implant under the skin that steadily releases the drugs over the course of seven days.
“It’s a game-changer,” said Olivia Nassaris, the Greek Cypriot CEO of Parkinson’s Australia, who described the development to Neos Kosmos as a “significant breakthrough.”
“For people living with Parkinson’s, this offers an entirely new form of treatment. Until now, tablets have been the only option,” she said.
Nassaris, who cared for her grandmother as she battled the disease, knows firsthand how devastating it can be when someone misses or delays their medication.
“Some people can completely ‘freeze’—unable to move or communicate—if they don’t take their meds on time,” she explained. “Others may experience less dramatic symptoms, but still struggle with walking, speaking, swallowing, or even blinking. So to have a treatment that delivers consistent medication for a full week through a single injection—that would be incredible.”
The injection was developed by researchers at the university’s Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation. Lead researcher Dr Sanjay Garg said the aim was to reduce the burden of treatment on patients.
“One injection could last an entire week, compared to needing to take three or four tablets every single day,” Dr Garg said.
While lab tests have shown promising results, Dr Garg emphasised that clinical trials in humans—yet to begin—will be critical to determining its effectiveness and safety.
More freedom, less burden
Parkinson’s Australia is the national peak body advocating for the estimated 150,000 Australians currently living with the progressive neurological disease. While there is no cure, treatment focuses on symptom management—often involving strict medication schedules.
“There’s currently nothing like this on the market,” said Nassaris. “And researchers hope their work could also pave the way for long-acting treatments for other chronic diseases—something that would truly change lives.”
While it may still be years before the treatment becomes commercially available, Nassaris believes publicising these scientific developments is vital to give people hope.
“These breakthroughs offer not only future treatment options but emotional relief. People living with Parkinson’s deserve both,” she said.
