-DOPA dextrodopa) is similar to (levodopa), but with opposite chirality. Levo- and dextro- rotation refer to a molecule's ability to rotate planes of polarized light in one or the other direction. Whereas is moderately effective in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) and dopamine-responsive dystonia (DRD) by stimulating the production of dopamine in the brain, is biologically inactive.
Avoiding unwanted production of <small>D</small>-DOPA is a goal for commercial synthesis of -based drugs to treat Parkinson's disease.