A transdermal patch for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

The rivastigmine transdermal patch (Exelon((R)) transdermal patch) is the first transdermal treatment developed for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Patches provide smooth and continuous drug delivery through the skin and into the bloodstream, lowering the rate of absorption and providing steadier plasma levels versus conventional oral administration. In the case of the rivastigmine patch, this has the potential to reduce the incidence of acute gastrointestinal adverse events (such as nausea and vomiting) that ore typically reported by AD patients during the titration phase of cholinesterase inhibitor treatments. This in turn may allow easier access to optimal therapeutic doses, help to improve compliance, and have a positive impact on the efficacy of treatment. This article reviews the available pharmacokinetic and clinical data from various studies of a novel rivastigmine transdermal patch for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate AD. We also discuss the potential benefits of patch administration over capsule administration, with a focus on the results of the landmark IDEAL trial.