Safinamide: a novel anti- Parkinsonian drug with multiple actions

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease associated with motor symptoms, such as resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability. Levodopa, dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors and COMTs form the mainstay of treatment. However, advanced disease is associated with motor complications, especially dyskinesias, that limit dopaminergic replacement therapy. Safinamide is a novel anti- Parkinsonian drug with actions such as MAO-B and glutamate receptor inhibition, and sodium and calcium channel blockade. Safinamide has been shown to be effective as an adjunct to dopamine agonists and levodopa. The possible antidyskinetic and neuroprotective properties add to the usefulness of the drug; it is also a potential anticonvulsant drug.