Other controlled clinical trials evaluating carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone or entacapone did not find an increased risk of prostate cancer. FDA is still reviewing the available information and has not concluded that carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone increases the risk of developing prostate cancer. Healthcare professionals were advised to be aware of this possible risk and follow current guidelines for prostate cancer screening. FDA recommended that healthcare professionals follow the recommendations in the drug label when prescribing carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone and Comtan. Patients were directed to not stop taking their medication unless directed to do so by their healthcare professional. Cardiovascular risks
On August 20, 2010, the United States Food and Drug Administration stated meta-analysis of several studies "appeared to show an increase in the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death for people taking the drug" but also stated "findings were not clear." Heart problems are not uncommon in Parkinsons patients and the FDA will investigate the concerns. Drug interactions
Carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone is contraindicated in patients taking a class of antidepressant drugs known as non-selective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine. Combining carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone with these drugs could cause serious—possibly life-threatening—side effects. MAO inhibitors should be stopped at least two weeks before starting therapy with carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone. Carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone may be combined with the drugs rasagiline or selegiline. These drugs are a different type of MAO inhibitor known as selective MAO inhibitors that are often prescribed for Parkinsons disease. Many drug interactions involving selegiline are theoretical, primarily based on interactions with non-selective MAO inhibitors; at oral doses the risk of these interactions may be very low.
Cenegermin, sold under the brand name Oxervate, also known as recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF), is a recombinant form of human nerve growth factor (NGF). In July 2017, it was approved in the European Union as an eye drop formulation for the treatment of moderate or severe neurotrophic keratitis in adults.As a recombinant form of NGF, cenegermin is a peripherally selective agonist of the TrkA and LNGFR (p75NTR) which must be administered parenterally.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers it to be a first-in-class medication. History
It was developed by Anabasis Pharma, Dompé Farmaceutici, and Ospedale San Raffaele. Research
In addition to neurotrophic keratitis, cenegermin is also under development for the treatment of dry eyes, retinitis pigmentosa, and glaucoma. References
Further reading
Sheha H, Tighe S, Hashem O, Hayashida Y (October 2019). "Update On Cenegermin Eye Drops In The Treatment Of Neurotrophic Keratitis". Clin Ophthalmol. 13: 1973–1980. doi:10.2147/OPTH.S185184. PMC 6789413. PMID 31631965. External links
"Cenegermin". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine.