(298g) Formulation of Microcarriers for Levodopa Delivery Via the Pulmonary System

It is estimated that as many as 10 million people worldwide are suffering from Parkinson’s Diseases (PD). Levodopa is currently one of the most effective drug to treat PD patients. While oral delivery of Levodopa is the most common administration method, a significant portion of Levodopa is metabolized by the gastrointestinal enzyme and less than 30% of the drug is retained in the body. This study aims to develop Levodopa in inhalable solid dosage forms by incorporating into polymeric microparticles. Inhalation delivery of Levodopa can help reduce the tendency of choking among elder PD patients. As-prepared particles will be characterized by X-ray diffraction spectra (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Andersen Cascade Impactor (ACI).