Name | Opicapone |
CAS number | 923287-50-7 |
Description | Opicapone, also known as BIA 9-1067, is a novel potent and selective catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor (COMT inhibitor) under clinical evaluation as an adjunct to L-Dopa therapy of Parkinson's disease. Opicapone, a novel third generation COMT inhibitor, when compared to entacapone, provides a superior response upon the bioavailability of levodopa associated to more pronounced, long-lasting, and sustained COMT inhibition. |
Related CAS | / |
Synonym | BIA 9-1067; BIA 91067; BIA-91067; BIA91067; Opicapone; Opicapona; |
Appearance | Solid powder |
Quality Standard | USP, EP, BP, CP |
Shipping Condition | Shipped under ambient temperature as non-hazardous chemical. This product is stable enough for a few weeks during ordinary shipping and time spent in Customs. |
Storage Condition | Dry, dark and at 0 - 4 ℃ for short term (days to weeks) or -20 ℃ for long term (months to years). |
Shelf Life | >2 years if stored properly |
Sample package | Aluminium foil bag |
Commercial package | Aluminium Tin, Fiber drum |
Origin | China |
Opicapone More Info
Opicapone is a potent, selective, and reversible catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor developed for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). It is a third-generation COMT inhibitor, designed to overcome limitations of earlier agents (e.g., tolcapone, entacapone) with improved pharmacokinetic properties and safety profiles.
1. Chemical & Pharmacological Properties
Chemical Formula: C₁₈H₁₅N₃O₄S
Molecular Weight: 369.39 g/mol
Mechanism of Action:
In PD patients receiving levodopa/carbidopa therapy, levodopa is metabolized by COMT in the periphery, reducing its bioavailability to the brain. Opicapone inhibits peripheral COMT, thereby increasing the plasma half-life of levodopa and enhancing its delivery to the central nervous system (CNS).
Unlike some COMT inhibitors, it has minimal CNS penetration, reducing the risk of central side effects.
It is reversible and exhibits high selectivity for COMT, with no significant interaction with other enzymes (e.g., MAO).
2. Therapeutic Indications
Opicapone is indicated as an adjunct therapy to levodopa/carbidopa in adult patients with Parkinson’s disease:
Who experience wearing-off phenomena (decline in motor function before the next scheduled dose of levodopa).
To extend the duration of levodopa’s therapeutic effect and reduce the frequency and severity of motor fluctuations.
3. Dosage & Administration
Formulation: Oral tablets (15 mg, 30 mg strengths).
Recommended Dose: The standard starting and maintenance dose is 50 mg once daily, administered at bedtime (at least 1 hour after the last meal of the day) to minimize food-related interactions.
Dose Adjustment: In patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment, the maximum dose is 30 mg daily; it is contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment. No dose adjustment is required for renal impairment.
4. Contraindications & Precautions
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to opicapone or any excipients in the formulation.
Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C).
Concomitant use with non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Precautions:
Dyskinesia Risk: May exacerbate levodopa-induced dyskinesia; reduce levodopa dose if necessary.
Hypotension & Syncope: Monitor blood pressure, especially in patients on antihypertensive drugs or with a history of hypotension.
Pregnancy & Lactation: Not recommended; safety data in pregnant or breastfeeding women are insufficient.
Pediatric Use: Not approved for patients under 18 years of age.
5. Adverse Reactions
Common (≥10%): Dyskinesia, constipation, dry mouth, insomnia, and headache.
Uncommon (1–10%): Hypotension, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and hallucinations.
Rare (<1%): Severe hepatic dysfunction, allergic reactions (rash, angioedema), and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (in case of abrupt withdrawal).
6. Pharmaceutical & Industrial Notes
Synthesis: Opicapone is synthesized via a multi-step process involving the coupling of a thiophene carboxamide moiety with a nitrophenyl group, followed by reduction and cyclization reactions.
Quality Specifications: For API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) suppliers, key parameters include assay (≥99.0%), related substances (≤0.5% total), chiral purity (≥99.5% for the active isomer), and loss on drying (≤0.5%).
Regulatory Status: Approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020, and other regulatory bodies globally. It is a prescription-only medication in all approved regions.
