D1 Agonist Improved Movement of Parkinsonian Nonhuman Primates with Limited Dyskinesia Side Effects

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by striatal dopaminergic loss. L-DOPA treatment replaces lost dopamine and enables motor function; however, eventually, fluctuating efficacy and side effects associated with its use become challenging for many patients. Here, we demonstrate, in a clinically translatable nonhuman primate model of parkinsonian motor symptoms, that treatment with the partial D1 receptor agonist CVL-751, formerly known as PF-06649751, is just as effective as L-DOPA in enabling movement and reducing disability. Importantly, CVL-751 efficacy is observed with less of the concomitant dyskinesia side effect associated with L-DOPA treatment. Data presented suggest that partial D1 agonists may be an effective and important treatment strategy for the management of Parkinson's patients.