Short-term efficacy and safety of tavapadon for Parkinson's disease: An exploratory systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
- Journal
- Parkinsonism & related disorders (Q1)
- Published
- 27 September 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review / meta-analysis of RCTs
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1a)
- Authors
- Théo Santana Campos, Pedro Sandes Pereira, Maria Eduarda Pires Marques, Luiz Ricardo de Sousa Fernandes, Paulo Rafael Grassi Simões, Theo Cardoso Ribeiro, et al.
- PMID
- 42822261
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2026.108995
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Neurology (clinical) (paper of the day, 2 October 2026): Meta‑analysis shows tavapadon improves PD motor scores
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic neuron loss and motor and non-motor impairment. Current therapies are limited by motor complications and adverse effects. Tavapadon, a selective dopamine D1/D5 receptor partial agonist, has emerged as a potential therapeutic alternative. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tavapadon in patients with PD. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating tavapadon in patients with PD. The primary outcome was change from baseline in combined MDS-UPDRS Parts II + III. Secondary endpoints included changes in MDS-UPDRS Parts II and III and treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). Random-effects models were used to estimate pooled mean differences (MDs) and risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Four RCTs were included. Tavapadon substantially improved combined MDS-UPDRS II + III scores (MD -8.80; 95% CI -13.51 to -4.09; p = 0.0003). Notable improvements were also observed in Part III (MD -5.44; 95% CI -8.53 to -2.35; p = 0.0006) and Part II (MD -1.66; 95% CI -2.39 to -0.92; p < 0.0001). Tavapadon increased the risk of TRAEs (RR 1.96; 95% CI 1.19 to 3.25; p = 0.0236) with substantial heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: Based on short-term trials, tavapadon demonstrates exploratory evidence for clinically meaningful improvements in motor symptoms and functional outcomes in patients with PD. Despite these benefits, its use is associated with an increased risk of adverse events, highlighting the need for careful patient selection and monitoring until long-term data become available.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.