Merz Therapeutics Uncovers Hidden Burden of Parkinson’s ‘OFF’ Episodes, Boosts INBRIJA Profile
Event summary
- Merz Therapeutics presented new research at the World Parkinson Congress 2026, revealing the multifaceted burden of ‘OFF’ episodes in Parkinson’s disease.
- A qualitative literature review identified 132 distinct concepts detailing motor and non-motor symptoms, including fatigue, memory problems, and anxiety.
- Pooled Phase III trial data showed INBRIJA® provided consistent motor improvement with mean UPDRS-III score reductions of -14.3 and -14.8 for patients with shorter and longer ‘OFF’ episode histories.
- Safety analysis confirmed a favorable tolerability profile for INBRIJA®, with 84.7% of patients remaining free of treatment-related cough after 60 weeks.
The big picture
Merz Therapeutics’ research highlights the unmet need for comprehensive management of Parkinson’s ‘OFF’ episodes, positioning INBRIJA® as a key therapeutic option. The findings come as the neurology space increasingly focuses on patient-reported outcomes and non-motor symptoms, potentially reshaping treatment paradigms. With Parkinson’s disease affecting millions globally, effective on-demand solutions represent a significant market opportunity.
What we're watching
- Clinical Adoption
- How the expanded understanding of ‘OFF’ episodes will influence clinician prescribing behavior for INBRIJA®.
- Regulatory Pathways
- Whether the new data will support expanded indications or label claims for INBRIJA®.
- Competitive Dynamics
- The pace at which competitors develop alternative on-demand treatments for Parkinson’s ‘OFF’ episodes.