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Published on: January 22, 2016
Ibudilast may improve attention during early abstinence from methamphetamine
J Brandon Birath1, Marisa Briones2, Stephanie Amaya1
1Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor - UCLA Medical Center; Los Angeles, CA, United States.
Ibudilast (IB) may improve attention in individuals abstaining from methamphetamine (MA) dependence. This study found IB reduced response time variability and perseverative errors during early MA abstinence compared to placebo.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Inattention is a common deficit during methamphetamine (MA) dependence abstinence.
- Understanding factors that support sustained attention is crucial for MA abstinence.
- Early abstinence from MA is characterized by attentional challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of ibudilast (IB) in improving attentional abilities during early MA abstinence.
- To compare the effects of IB (50mg bid) versus placebo on sustained attention and response inhibition.
- To assess the safety and tolerability of IB in this population.
Main Methods:
- A phase IB safety-interaction trial was conducted with 11 non-treatment seeking MA-dependent participants.
- The Conners' Continuous Performance Test-II (CPT-II) assessed sustained attention and response inhibition.
- Participants received either placebo (P; n=6) or IB (n=5) for 22 days, with a MA challenge administered 48 hours prior to follow-up assessment.
Main Results:
- No significant group differences in sustained attention were observed at baseline.
- The ibudilast (IB) group demonstrated reduced response time variability compared to the placebo (P) group at follow-up (p=.006).
- The IB group also exhibited fewer perseverative responses than the P group (p=.01).
Conclusions:
- Ibudilast (IB) may offer a protective effect on sustained attention during early methamphetamine (MA) abstinence.
- These findings suggest a potential mechanism of action for IB in treating MA dependence.
- Further research is warranted to confirm IB's efficacy as a treatment for MA dependence.
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