The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of two different multiple-dose regimens of nebicapone in comparison to placebo and entacapone 200 mg on the pharmacokinetics of levodopa in Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY:

This was a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled, four-way crossover study. The study consisted of 4 treatment periods in at least 16 patients with PD treated with standard release levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet®). Patients were randomly assigned to treatment with placebo, nebicapone 75 mg, nebicapone 150 mg or entacapone 200 mg (Comtan®) in 4 different sequences.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Written informed consent signed before screening activities.
2. Male or female aged between 30 and 75 years, inclusive.
3. A diagnosis of PD according to the UK PDS Brain Bank diagnostic criteria (bradykinesia and at least one of the following: muscular rigidity, rest tremor and postural instability).
4. Predictable signs of end-of-dose "wearing-OFF" phenomenon (end-of-dose deterioration) despite "optimal" levodopa/carbidopa therapy.
5. At least 60 minutes of daily OFF time in the two days prior to the randomisation visit day.
6. Been treated with levodopa/carbidopa for at least 1 year prior to randomisation with clear clinical improvement.
7. Been treated with a stable regimen of 3 to 6 daily doses of standard release levodopa/carbidopa (4:1 ratio) per day within at least 4 weeks prior to randomisation, although a bedtime dose of slow-release formulation is permitted.
8. Concomitant anti-Parkinsonian medication (other than apomorphine and entacapone) in stable doses for at least 4 weeks prior to randomisation.
9. Able to keep reliable ON/OFF charts (diaries), alone or with caregiver assistance.
10. Laboratory results acceptable by the investigator (not clinically significant for the well-being of the patient or for the purpose of the study).
11. Women: Post-menopausal or otherwise incapable of becoming pregnant by reason of surgery or tubal ligation. In case of woman of childbearing potential, patient had to present a serum B-hCG test consistent with a non-gravid state and had to agree to remain abstinent or use effective contraceptive methods.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Non-idiopathic parkinsonism (atypical parkinsonism, symptomatic parkinsonism, Parkinson-plus syndrome).
2. Treated with levodopa/benserazide, or with levodopa/carbidopa in a 10:1 ratio, or with levodopa/carbidopa in a controlled-release form during day-time.
3. Major depressive episode within 6 months prior to randomisation.
4. Treated with entacapone, neuroleptics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (except selegiline not exceeding 10 mg/day) or antiemetics (except domperidone) within one month prior to randomisation.
5. Treated with apomorphine within 7 days prior to randomisation.
6. Treated with any investigational product within 2 months prior to randomisation (or within 5 half-lives, whichever is longer).
7. A psychiatric or any medical condition that might place him/her at increased risk or interfere with assessments.
8. Previous use of nebicapone or participation in a clinical study with nebicapone.
9. Known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of the investigational products.
10. A history of abuse of alcohol, drugs or medications within the last 2 years.
11. A clinically relevant ECG abnormality. Patient could only be randomised if the ECG was normal or, if abnormal, the abnormality was mild and not considered to be clinically relevant.
12. A history or current evidence of heart disease, including but not limited to myocardial infarction, angina, congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmia.
13. Unstable concomitant disease being treated with changing doses of medication.
14. A history or current evidence of any relevant disease in the context of this study, i.e., with respect to the safety of the subject (e.g., hepatic impairment) or related to the study conditions.
15. A test positive for the human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) 1 or 2 antibodies, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag) or hepatitis C antibody (HCV Ab).
16. Donated or received blood or blood products within 3 months prior to randomisation.
17. Pregnant or breast feeding.
18. Any other condition or circumstance that, in the opinion of the investigator, may compromise the patient's ability to comply with the study protocol.