05-02-2025
County Durham man first in England to benefit from new drug
A County Durham man is one of the first patients in England to benefit from a new Parkinson's disease treatment.
Anthony Quinn, a patient at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, is being treated with a new drug called Produodopa.
This is a combination of levodopa and foscarbidopa, which is given to patients through a small pump that delivers the medication continuously under the skin for over 24 hours.
The new treatment reduces the need for multiple daily tablets and can improve motor symptoms, energy levels, and overall quality of life for Parkinson's disease patients.
Since starting the treatment, Mr Quinn has said he now enjoys activities that were previously out of reach, such as three-mile bike rides and late-night gaming sessions.
(Image: Supplied) He said: "This new treatment has given me a new lease of life.
"I can now do things that weren't possible before, like riding my bike and playing video games.
"Even simple everyday tasks have become easier.
"It really has changed my life."
The County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is the first acute trust outside of a neuroscience centre to administer the treatment, which is aimed at helping people with the fastest-growing neurological condition worldwide.
Jeremy Cundall, executive medical director at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said: "It is fantastic that our Movement Disorder Team have introduced this groundbreaking therapy, which can profoundly improve the quality of life for patients like Anthony.
"Being at the forefront of this new drug, as the first acute trust outside of a neuroscience centre, is a testament to the dedication and innovation of the team.
"As a trust, we are committed to delivering cutting-edge, high-quality care that can improve outcomes and make a positive difference in the lives of our patients and the communities we serve."
