A study to investigate if Levodopa (a Parkinson’s medication) can help people with wet age-related macular degeneration
Wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) is an eye condition that can quickly blur or damage your central vision. The current standard treatment involves having regular injections into the eye to prevent sight loss. While effective, these injections can be uncomfortable, inconvenient, and needed for years. This trial looks at whether a tablet called Levodopa (Co-Careldopa), which has been safely used for decades to treat Parkinson's disease, can help. Early evidence suggests this medicine may protect the back of the eye and reduce how often injections are needed. Participants will take either Levodopa or an identical dummy tablet (placebo) twice a day for two years alongside their regular eye injections. Doctors will compare both groups to see if the tablets help keep vision stable with fewer injections, easing the burden on patients and the NHS.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition that affects the middle part of your vision. It usually starts in your 50s or 60s and can make reading, recognizing faces, and driving difficult. The 'wet' form of AMD happens when tiny, abnormal blood vessels grow at the back of the eye and leak fluid into the retina. Without quick care, this can cause rapid and permanent damage to your sight.
Currently, the standard NHS treatment involves receiving medicine through injections directly into the eye. These injections stop the leaking vessels and help save sight, but having a needle in the eye is understandably uncomfortable and stressful. Many people need these injections every month or two for several years, requiring frequent trips to hospital eye clinics.
This study explores whether a simple tablet could reduce the number of injections people need. The drug being tested is Co-Careldopa (often called Levodopa). It has been prescribed safely for decades to treat Parkinson’s disease. Doctors noticed that people taking Levodopa developed AMD at an older age, and early tests showed patients with wet AMD needed fewer eye injections when taking the drug.
In this trial, researchers want to prove whether taking this tablet really can protect vision and cut down on eye injections. By comparing patients taking the medicine against those taking a dummy pill (placebo), the study hopes to discover a cheaper, more comfortable way to manage wet AMD alongside normal care.
Key takeaways
- Tests whether a familiar tablet can reduce how many eye injections are needed for wet AMD.
- Open to people aged 50 and over who have recently been diagnosed with wet AMD.
- Involves taking a capsule twice daily for two years alongside your regular eye treatment.
- Requires five hospital visits and three catch-up phone calls over about two years.
- Participation is voluntary and does not stop you from receiving standard NHS eye care.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults aged 50 and over who have recently been diagnosed with wet AMD in at least one eye. To qualify, you must have started standard eye injection treatment recently and still be within your initial treatment period (before finishing your first set of starter doses).
Because this medicine affects certain body systems, people with particular health conditions cannot take part. You cannot join if you have Parkinson's disease, restless leg syndrome, other movement disorders, active stomach ulcers, severe heart or lung conditions, or certain types of glaucoma.
You also will not be eligible if you take medicines that affect dopamine, use three or more blood pressure medications, take certain types of antidepressants, or are currently pregnant or breastfeeding. The study team will review your full medical history to make sure taking part is completely safe for you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 50 years of age or older?
- Have you recently been diagnosed with wet AMD?
- Are you in the early stages of starting eye injections?
- Are you free from Parkinson's disease, movement disorders, and severe glaucoma?
- Are you able to swallow capsules twice a day and attend hospital visits for two years?
What does participation involve?
Taking part lasts for about two years. Half of the participants will take a Co-Careldopa capsule twice a day, and the other half will take an identical dummy capsule (placebo). Neither you nor your doctor will know which one you are taking. You will continue to receive all your normal eye injections and standard NHS care throughout.
During the study, you will attend five hospital clinic visits: one at the start, and then at weeks 24, 48, 72, and 104. At these visits, staff will check your vision, take detailed pictures of the back of your eye, and carry out routine blood tests.
You will also have three brief phone calls with the team: one week after starting to check for side effects, at week 100 to guide you on gradually lowering your dose before stopping, and at week 108 for a final safety check. During your last four weeks of treatment, you will slowly reduce the capsules to avoid any withdrawal symptoms.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- -Approximate-, England
Common questions
Will I still get my normal eye injections during the study?
Yes. You will continue to receive all your standard NHS eye injections and clinic care as recommended by your eye doctor.
Why is a Parkinson's drug being used for an eye condition?
Scientists noticed that people taking this tablet were less likely to develop wet AMD, and small studies showed it helped patients need fewer eye injections.
What is a placebo and why is it used?
A placebo is a dummy pill that looks identical to the real medicine but contains no active drug. It allows researchers to fairly compare results and see if the real drug truly works.
What happens if I feel unwell while taking the capsules?
You will be given contact numbers for the study team to report any symptoms straight away, and a doctor is always available to advise you.
Do I have to pay to take part in this trial?
No, clinical trials run through the NHS and funded by the NIHR are free to participants, and your regular eye care continues without charge.
How to find out more
Andrew Jackson
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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