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Dyskinesia Assessment
Parkinson’s disease affects an estimated 120,000 people in the UK, including 1-2% of the over 60s. This figure will increase significantly over the next decade as the population ages. The estimated total cost of Parkinson's disease in the UK is currently estimated at up to £3.9 billion annually, with the largest component being inpatient care, and the Department of Health has highlighted the importance of improving the quality of life for such patients as a key quality requirement.
The most effective symptomatic treatment for Parkinson’s disease is levodopa. However, 50% of those treated with this drug for five years develop levodopa-induced dyskinesia; characterised by involuntary movements. This condition is a major source of disability and is associated with a reduced quality of life, increased depression and increased health costs.
The technology developed by the University of York is a reliable and cost-effective monitoring device for dyskinesia.
Benefits
- Reliable and cost-effective monitoring device for dyskinesia
- Considerable impact on patient quality of life and safety
- Impact on health care provider budgets
- Allows the physician to gather clinical information quicker and more accurately and hence make rapid corrective changes to medication
- Limits complications of uncontrolled dyskinesia such as falls and fractures and the associated cost of morbidity.
Applications
- Monitoring of levodopa side effects in Parkinson’s disease patients
- Ultimately could permit home monitoring, avoiding the cost of lengthy hospital admissions.
Investment readiness status
Advanced stages of research are underway, aiming for commercial proof of concept in the next 12 months.
IP status
Currently unpatented, but several key details remain unpublished, and patent protection will be sought as necessary.