The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of the branded and a generic 
extended-release ropinirole formulation in the treatment of advanced Parkinson's 
disease (PD). Of 22 enrolled patients 21 completed the study. A rater blinded to 
treatment evaluated Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Fahn-Tolosa-Marin 
Tremor Rating Scale, Nonmotor Symptoms Assessment Scale, and a structured 
questionnaire on ropinirole side effects. Besides, the patients 
self-administered EQ-5D, Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS-2), and Beck 
Depression Inventories. Branded and generic ropinirole treatment achieved 
similar scores on all tests measuring severity of motor symptoms (primary 
endpoint, UPDRS-III: 27.0 versus 28.0 points, P = 0.505). Based on patient 
diaries, the lengths of "good time periods" were comparable (10.5 and 10.0 hours 
for branded and generic ropinirole, resp., P = 0.670). However, generic 
ropinirole therapy achieved almost 3.0 hours shorter on time without dyskinesia 
(6.5 versus. 9.5 hours, P < 0.05) and 2.5 hours longer on time with slight 
dyskinesia (3.5 versus. 1.0 hours, P < 0.05) than the branded ropinirole did. 
Except for gastrointestinal problems, nonmotor symptoms were similarly 
controlled. Patients did not prefer either formulation. Although this study has 
to be interpreted with limitations, it demonstrated that both generic and 
branded ropinirole administration can achieve similar control on most symptoms 
of PD.