The urgent need for a national strategy to combat Parkinson’s disease was highlighted by patients and scientists at a press conference organized by the Panhellenic Association of Patients and Caregivers, PAR.KIN.SON. This condition is the fastest-growing neurological disease, with the number of patients worldwide having doubled over the past 25 years.

Health Minister Adonis Georgiades attended the event to demonstrate the importance the political leadership of the Ministry of Health places on patients and their access to effective treatment. Mr. Georgiades emphasized that Parkinson’s disease is a challenging condition and noted that the Ministry is currently prioritizing the National Action Plan for Cancer; however, a similar plan for Parkinson’s disease is expected to follow immediately afterward.

Among other points, Mr. Georgiades discussed the recent approval of reimbursement for a new treatment in Greece—specifically for a medication that has been administered to patients for years. According to the scientists present at the press conference, this new formulation is essentially a new method of delivering an existing medication (levodopa) via subcutaneous injection, helping patients avoid issues they encountered with the pills they were previously taking. For example, the medication was often not adequately covered and resulted in fluctuations in patients’ day-to-day symptoms. The subcutaneous injection is believed to provide significant benefits to many patients with advanced disease who are indicated for this treatment.

The event was also graced by a message from George Tsivgoulis, Professor of Neurology at EKPA, Director of the Second Neurology Clinic at EKPA, PGH “ATTIKON,” and President of the Hellenic Neurological Society. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Hellenic Neurological Society, the Patients’ Association, and the Greek state to ensure that patients have access to innovative therapies aimed at improving their clinical condition and daily autonomy.