Related Experiment Videos
Fampridine Acorda Therapeutics.
1Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. cynthia@psy.otago.ac.nz
Current Opinion in Investigational Drugs (London, England : 2000)
|March 16, 2001
Summary
Fampridine, a potassium channel blocker, is being developed for spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis. Phase II trials for chronic spinal cord injury are underway, with Phase III studies anticipated to begin in 2001.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neurology
- Drug Development
Background:
- Fampridine (4-aminopyridine) is a potassium channel blocker.
- It is under development for spinal cord injuries (SCI) and multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Acorda Therapeutics is leading the development, with initial work involving Elan and Rush Medical Center.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate fampridine for the potential treatment of spinal cord injuries.
- To assess the efficacy of a controlled-release formulation (Neurelan) for chronic SCI.
- To advance fampridine through Phase II and into Phase III clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Preliminary Phase II trials for SCI were completed in 1998.
- A late-stage, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase II trial for chronic SCI was planned.
- This trial was set to enroll 90 participants across 10 US rehabilitation centers.
Main Results:
- Phase II studies for chronic SCI were underway as of July 2000.
- Phase III studies were expected to commence in 2001.
- Preclinical data suggested 4-aminopyridine-induced contractions in porcine coronary arteries may involve neuronal 5-HT.
Conclusions:
- Fampridine shows promise as a therapeutic agent for neurological conditions like SCI and MS.
- The drug's development is progressing through clinical trial phases.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate its mechanisms of action in various tissues.