MercyOne Ruan Neurology Care first in Iowa to administer Vyalev to treat advanced Parkinson’s

Des Moines, Iowa – Brian Neuendorf, 56, of Clive, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2022. To manage his symptoms, he was taking as many as 16 pills a day. But that changed on December 17 when he became the first Iowan and the first MercyOne Ruan Neurology patient to receive Vyalev therapy. 

Vyalev was approved by the Food and Drug Administration on October 17, 2024, to help treat advanced Parkinson’s disease.

The cutting-edge treatment consists of a wearable device that supplies a continuous infusion of foscarbidopa and foslevodopa via a small needle placed under the skin. 

“Since initiating Vyalev, Brian has reported dramatic improvements, with significantly fewer motor fluctuations, reduced dyskinesias, and enhanced overall function,” said Alex Eischeid, MD, a movement disorder neurologist who specializes in Parkinson’s disease with MercyOne Ruan Neurology Care.

“As the first patient in our clinic to receive this innovative continuous infusion, his success marks an exciting milestone in our mission to bring advanced, personalized care to our Parkinson’s community.”

 “A lot of people notice that I don’t rock anymore,” said Neuendorf. “I often had to stop and explain to friends and colleagues why I was rocking. I don’t have to do that anymore.” He also says the improvements have helped him professionally by allowing him to focus more on work than on his Parkinson’s symptoms.

Throughout the process, Neuendorf has worked closely with his MercyOne Ruan Neurology Care team, as well as the care team from AbbVie, the device manufacturer.

“The support I received from MercyOne and AbbVie has been tremendous. “The AbbVie nurse came to my home and showed me how manage the device myself,” says Neuendorf. “From how to reposition the needle and how to change out the medicine every day, they showed me how to be successful.”

Most Parkinson’s symptoms are caused by a dopamine deficit in the brain. As the disease progresses, traditional treatment regimens often require higher and more frequent oral dopamine replacement drugs like levodopa to provide the same therapeutic effects. These dosages can cause a spike in dopamine levels, bringing about dyskinesias or excessive involuntary muscle movements ranging from minor fidgeting to more pronounced body rocking movements. Furthermore, with disease progression, patients often experience more time during the day when oral medications wear off, referred to as “off time.” 

Delivering the levodopa via a continuous subcutaneous infusion rather than intermittent oral medications can more evenly treat Parkinson’s disease symptoms; Vyalev has been shown to improve medication “on” time without bothersome dyskinesias compared to oral medications.