---
title: "Tavapadon: Parkinson's Drug Pipeline"
description: An experimental once-daily pill that targets dopamine D1/D5 receptors. Its Phase 3 TEMPO program met its main goals and AbbVie submitted it to the FDA in September 2025, with a decision expected in 2026. It is a symptom treatment, not disease-modifying.
canonical_url: "https://parkinsonspathways.com/pipeline/tavapadon"
development_stage: "Phase 3: large human trials"
last_updated: 2026-06-23
source: "Parkinson's Pathways"
---
# Tavapadon

**Stage:** Phase 3 complete  ·  **Type:** Symptomatic

**Developer:** AbbVie (formerly Cerevel Therapeutics)

**How it works:** A pill that partially switches on specific dopamine receptors (D1/D5), aiming to ease symptoms with a smoother effect than levodopa.

**Target:** Dopamine D1/D5 receptors

**Who it's for:** Studied both in early Parkinson's (on its own) and in more advanced patients (added to levodopa).

**Key trials:** NCT04201093, NCT04223193, NCT04542499

**Last reviewed:** 2026-06-23


## What it is

Tavapadon is a 'partial agonist' at the D1/D5 dopamine receptors. Most current dopamine-acting drugs hit different receptors (D2/D3); the hope with D1/D5 is meaningful symptom relief with a different, potentially smoother side-effect profile.

## Where it stands

AbbVie has reported that the Phase 3 TEMPO trials met their primary endpoints, both as a standalone treatment in early disease and as an add-on to levodopa. AbbVie submitted its New Drug Application to the FDA on September 26, 2025, and a decision is expected in the first half of 2026. No approval has been announced yet.

## What the data shows so far

The TEMPO program tested tavapadon over roughly 26 weeks. According to the company, the trials met their main endpoint of improving a standard Parkinson's rating scale (the MDS-UPDRS) versus placebo, and the add-on study increased daily 'on' time. Full peer-reviewed results are how these claims should be judged.

## What families should know

If approved, this would be another option for controlling symptoms, particularly for people who don't tolerate existing dopamine agonists well. It is not designed to slow the disease.

## Caveats

Results so far come substantially from company announcements; weigh peer-reviewed publications and the FDA review. It treats symptoms only. Dopamine-receptor drugs as a class can cause impulse-control problems (gambling, compulsive shopping) and sleepiness. The real-world rate for tavapadon will become clearer with wider use.

## Timeline

_Most recent first._

- **2026**, FDA decision expected in the first half of the year.
- **2025**, AbbVie submits its New Drug Application to the FDA (September 26).
- **2024**, Company reports the Phase 3 trials met their primary endpoints.
- **2023-2024**, TEMPO Phase 3 trials run.

## Sources

- [AbbVie news](https://news.abbvie.com/)
- [TEMPO-3 on ClinicalTrials.gov](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04542499)

_Last reviewed: 2026-06-23._

## More

- [Back to the Parkinson's drug pipeline](https://parkinsonspathways.com/pipeline)
- [Browse all recruiting trials](https://parkinsonspathways.com/trials)