PUNE: A new modality for the treatment of Parkinson's was recently launched in India. More than one million cases per year of this disorder are witnessed in the country. Parkinson's affects the central nervous system in turn affecting movement.
This new treatment was recently launched at the Mumbai-based Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital, in association with Kings College, London.
The treatment is called 'Apomorphine Pen and Pump'. The treatment was launched by the Health Minister of Maharashtra Dr Deepak Sawant and actor and Member of Parliament (MP) Paresh Rawal recently.
Parkinson’s disease is one of the common neurodegenerative diseases affecting people over the age of 55 years. Parkinson’s, which is characterised by slowness, stiffness and tremors, is a special neurodegenerative disorder with very few therapeutic options available.
Doctors inform that, in India, the prevalence of this disease advances between the age of 70 to 79 years. It is caused by dopamine deficiency, which is a chemical neurotransmitter in the brain, mainly in the centres controlling mobility.
Apomorphine is a highly selective dopamine receptor stimulator, which promotes the release of dopamine in the brain from the nerve cells, which is otherwise absent.
Announcing the launch of the radical treatment of Parkison’s, COO at Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital Dr Rajendra Patankar said that apomorphine is a revolutionary breakthrough to treat the Parkinson’s patients.
“Associating with the prestigious King’s College, London, has been an honour for us. As a healthcare provider, we would like to commit ourselves to improve the healthcare in India and bring in such great advancements in the field on medicine to India,” said Patankar.
He further added that the' Pen and Pump' treatment is an effective alternative for those who do not want to undergo Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).
According to Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders specialist at the hospital Dr Neeta Shah, Parkinson’s disease in advance stage is a challenge to treat.
“Patients suffer from progression in symptoms and side effects of increasing dosages of standard medications. We need some novel way to treat this. This treatment will be a boon for such patients,” said Shah.
