A skin patch promises to alleviate symptoms of early-stage Parkinson's disease, and may be a good substitute to consumption of pills to manage the brain disorder, researchers said.

A neupro patch developed by Schwarz Pharma, a German pharmaceutical was used to study its effects on 277 people in Canada and the United States suffering early-stage Parkinson's. The patch is designed to convey a drug called rotigotine that performs the role of a certain brain chemical, found lacking in people suffering Parkinson’s.

Those who used the patch reported being benefited by the treatment after 6 months of using the patch. Those who were on the placebo witnessed worsening of the symptoms.

Dr. Ray Watts, chairman of the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Department of Neurology, "I think it's an important new development for Parkinson's patients. For a significant portion of patients, this may offer real advantages. But for newly diagnosed patients, especially younger patients who are going to be treated for a long time, this may be even more important."

Approval from FDA is expected, after which the patch can be used to treat early-stage Parkinson’s disease.