Droxidopa

Droxidopa (L-DOPS) is a synthetic amino acid analog that is directly metabolized to L-norepinephrine [A0906] by DOPA-decarboxylase (other name: aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase).
L-norepinephrine is crucial for many processes in the body and brain. Dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DβH) is an enzyme that catalyzed the reaction of dopamine [A0305] to L-norepinephrine. Therefore, DβH deficiency can affects many processes, for example, the autonomic nervous system which controls involuntary body processes such as the regulation of blood pressure and body temperature.
Unlike L-norepinephrine, however, droxidopa easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. Droxidopa is a prodrug of L-norepinephrine, and is used to increase the concentrations of it in the body and brain. Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, droxidopa is mainly used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. (The product is for research purpose only.)