Opicapone (Ongentys): A New COMT Inhibitor for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the safety and efficacy of opicapone, a newly Food and Drug Administration-approved catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor, as an adjunctive treatment to levodopa/carbidopa in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) experiencing off episodes. DATA SOURCES: A literature search through PubMed and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (January 2000 to October 2020) was conducted using the following search terms: Ongentys, opicapone, COMT inhibitor, Parkinson's disease, and Parkinson's. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Articles selected included those describing preclinical and clinical studies examining the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and/or safety of opicapone. DATA SYNTHESIS: In preclinical trials, opicapone demonstrated marked S-COMT inhibition, despite its short half-life, while maintaining an acceptable safety and efficacy profile. Results from phase 3 clinical trials further supported the safety and efficacy of opicapone as an adjunct to levodopa. In addition, opicapone, at a dose of 50 mg once daily, was shown to be superior to placebo and noninferior to entacapone in reducing time spent in the off state. Adverse effects commonly reported with opicapone include dyskinesias, constipation, hypotension/syncope, increased blood creatine kinase, and decreased weight. RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE: Additional medications, such as COMT inhibitors, become necessary adjunctive treatments as the disease progresses. Compared to other COMT inhibitors currently on the US market, opicapone offers the advantage of once-daily dosing. CONCLUSION: Opicapone is a safe and effective COMT inhibitor shown to reduce off episodes in patients with PD.

Utilizing innovative teaching methods to design a new geriatric pharmacy elective.

INTRODUCTION: The geriatric population is growing faster than ever. Pharmacy educators must ensure students are prepared to care for this population through the use of both required and elective courses. In order to bridge the gap between education and real-world practice, colleges of pharmacy have incorporated innovative teaching methods to promote problem-based learning (PBL) that focus on clinical decision-making. COMMENTARY: The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education Accreditation Standards and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists provide guidance on incorporating geriatric topics into doctor of pharmacy curricula. However, emphasis should also be placed on content delivery and providing an interactive, enjoyable learning environment. To meet this need, the University of Florida created a geriatric-focused elective that utilizes innovative teaching methods to reinforce understanding of material. In this commentary, we discuss questions to consider when developing a geriatric elective and recommend specific and unique innovative teaching methods that can be incorporated to promote PBL. IMPLICATIONS: Pharmacists must possess the knowledge to address the unique needs of geriatric patients. Creating geriatric-focused electives bridges the gap between theory and practice. Utilizing innovative teaching methods can increase engagement, spark creative thinking, and promote retainment of skills necessary to care for the aging population.