Dubai unveils new Parkinson's Pump at King's College Hospital London in Dubai

In a remarkable advancement in medical care, King's College Hospital London in Dubai has successfully administered the subcutaneous Levodopa (Fos-levodopa) pump treatment to the youngest Parkinson's patient in the UAE and the broader Middle East, North Africa (MENA), and GCC regions. Diagnosed with at just 30 years old, the patient has been battling the condition for 14 years and previously relied on continuous support from three caregivers. This groundbreaking treatment marks a significant milestone in Parkinson's care, offering renewed hope and a notable improvement in the patient’s quality of life.

As one of the leading facilities for advanced neurological and Parkinson's care in the region, King's College Hospital Dubai is proud to be among the first to offer the Foslevodopa pump - an innovative next-generation treatment for advanced Parkinson’s disease. This procedure delivers levodopa, the gold standard in Parkinson's treatment, continuously through the skin, similar to an insulin pump used for diabetes management. The treatment is personalized to meet the individual needs of each patient, with medication doses adjusted by experienced Parkinson's specialists such as and Prof. Ray Chaudhuri. The new solution transforms Parkinson’s care in the UAE, enabling patients to regain their independence and participate in daily activities - such as fasting during Ramadan - after years of struggle.

Dr Vinod Metta, Consultant Interventional Neurologist & Parkinson’s Specialist at King’s College Hospital London, Dubai

Dr Vinod Metta, Consultant Interventional Neurologist & Parkinson's Specialist at King's College Hospital London, Dubai, expressed his thoughts on the successful treatment:

"Personalised care and tailored dosage are essential in Parkinson's treatment, as each patient's condition is unique. It is important to optimize the dosage based on disease severity and the patient's dopamine requirements. With device-assisted therapies like the Foslevodopa pump, patients can take control of their condition. Watching our patient regain independence, enjoy a meal on his own, and walk unaided is a powerful testament to the positive impact this new treatment can have on individuals' lives."

The procedure was carried out at the Parkinson's Centre of Excellence at King's College Hospital London in Dubai, a regional leader in movement disorder care. The center is dedicated to offering world-class diagnostics, treatment innovations, and multidisciplinary support to Parkinson's patients and their families, ensuring holistic, patient-centered care.

Professor Ray Chaudhuri, Professor of Neurology and Movement Disorders at King's College Hospital London, highlighted the significance of this breakthrough:

"This is a transformative moment for Parkinson's care in the region. Introducing Foslevodopa at King's Dubai represents a major leap forward in personalized therapy, ensuring patients receive optimal care. This groundbreaking breakthrough further reinforces King's commitment to being at the forefront of neurological advancements."

King's Parkinson's Centre of Excellence: Leading the Future of Parkinson's Care

● A Centre of Excellence for Parkinson’s Disease in Dubai/UAE

● World-renowned UK-trained Parkinson’s specialists, led by Dr. Vinod Metta and Prof. Ray Chaudhuri

● Bespoke and tailored approaches, supported by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including Parkinson’s nurses, physiotherapists, speech therapists, dieticians, neuroradiologists, and occupational therapists

● King’s Parkinson’s Centre of Excellence in Dubai started with just one patient under Dr. Vinod Metta’s leadership and has since grown into a well-known tertiary referral center in the UAE, Middle East, and MENA, treating over 1,000 Parkinson’s patients across the GCC

For more information about the Foslevodopa/Foscarbidopa pump treatment, please contact King’s Parkinson’s Centre of Excellence. Our Parkinson’s Nurse Specialist will be happy to assist with any inquiries:

• Therese Masagnay: Therese.Masagnay@kch.ae

• Clarissa Sanglian: Clarissa.Sanglian@kch.ae

• Ehab Awad, Parkinson’s Program Coordinator: ehabadly.awad@kch.ae

• Research Studies & Clinical Trials Coordinator: Afsal.Nalarakettil@kch.ae

This advancement represents a significant step forward in improving Parkinson’s care and offering hope to patients in the UAE and beyond.