it's in clinical trials right now. i think its a combination phase 1 and 2 with about 3 or 4 open participants and the rest blinded with placebo. i can't imagine not being able to figure out very quickly whether you have the placebo or not, the FDA requirements have delayed this treatment for years.

open trial- no blinding - patients know they have the drug. they usually do very well what is wrong with that? that should just be a blessing why try to eliminate whatever is helping

blinded - placebos given but they can't take away sinemet as this is for more advanced patients. so they have to take meds, with the placebo group being given saline in the pump and real meds; and the rest getting duodopa and placebo meds.

a very elaborate deception plan indeed and sham surgery too!
and after ten years of european data where its been approved for that long.