Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2026
07:14
A Novel Approach to Assess Motor Outcome of Deep Brain Stimulation Effects in the Hemiparkinsonian Rat: Staircase and Cylinder Test
Published on: May 31, 2016
A proof-of-concept study with SOM3355 (bevantolol hydrochloride) for reducing chorea in Huntington's disease
Josep Gamez1, Matilde Calopa2, Esteban Muñoz3,4
1Neurology Department, GMA Clinic, European Reference Network on Rare Neurological Diseases (ERN-RND), Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|December 9, 2022
Summary
SOM3355 (bevantolol hydrochloride) effectively reduced chorea in Huntington
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms.
- Chorea, involuntary, jerky movements, is a prominent motor feature of HD, significantly impacting quality of life.
- Current treatments for chorea in HD have limitations, necessitating exploration of novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of SOM3355 (bevantolol hydrochloride) as a repositioned treatment for chorea in Huntington's disease.
- To investigate the potential of SOM3355, a beta-1 adrenergic antagonist with VMAT2 inhibitory properties, in managing HD-related motor dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover proof-of-concept study was conducted in 32 Huntington's disease patients.
- Patients received placebo and SOM3355 (100 and 200 mg twice daily) over sequential 6-week periods.
- The primary endpoint was a ≥2-point improvement in the total maximal chorea score compared to placebo.
Main Results:
- The primary endpoint was achieved by 57.1% of patients.
- A significant reduction in chorea score (-1.14 points) was observed with 200 mg twice daily SOM3355 compared to placebo (P=.0224).
- Mild to moderate adverse events were most frequent; elevated prolactin levels suggest VMAT2 inhibition.
Conclusions:
- SOM3355 demonstrates therapeutic potential in reducing chorea in Huntington's disease patients.
- The drug was generally well-tolerated in this proof-of-concept study.
- Larger clinical trials are warranted to confirm the efficacy and safety of SOM3355 as an antichoreic agent.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are prospective experimental studies conducted on humans to determine the safety and efficacy of treatments, drugs, diet methods, and medical devices. Using statistics in clinical trials enables researchers to derive reasonable and accurate conclusions from the collected data, allowing them to make wise decisions in uncertain situations. In medical research, statistical methods are crucial for preventing errors and bias.
There are four phases in a clinical trial. A phase one...
There are four phases in a clinical trial. A phase one...
01:15Parkinson's Disease: Overview
Neurodegenerative disorders are progressive diseases that cause irreversible damage and loss to neurons in specific brain areas. Examples of these disorders include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). These disorders share characteristics such as proteinopathies, selective neuronal vulnerability, and a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. The primary therapeutic goal for these conditions is to...
01:24Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), involve the gradual and irreversible destruction of neurons in particular brain areas. These disorders exhibit standard features like proteinopathies, selective vulnerability of some neurons, and an interaction of intrinsic properties, genetics, and environmental influences in neural injury.
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of its...
01:29Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Dopamine Receptor Antagonists
Dopamine receptor antagonists, also known as antipsychotic agents, are critical in managing chemotherapy-induced vomiting. These antiemetic agents block dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), inhibiting signal transmission to the vomiting center. Antipsychotic agents encompass phenothiazines (PTZ), butyrophenones, benzamides, and thienobenzodiazepines (Zyprexa), which are utilized for their antiemetic and sedative properties.
Phenothiazines, such as prochlorperazine...
Phenothiazines, such as prochlorperazine...
01:24Parkinson Disease l: Introduction
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. It is characterized by motor symptoms such as resting tremors, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability. Patients may notice hand tremors at rest, stiffness during movement, or a shuffling gait. In addition to motor features, non-motor symptoms include sleep disturbances, mood and behavioral changes, constipation, and cognitive impairment, all of which...
01:21Huntington Disease l: Introduction
Huntington disease or HD is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disorder inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.PathophysiologyIt is caused by expansion of the CAG trinucleotide repeat in the HTT gene on chromosome 4 (4p16.3), producing an abnormal huntingtin protein with an expanded polyglutamine tract. This misfolded protein disrupts cellular function, leading to neuronal death. Normal alleles have ≤26 repeats, 27–35 are intermediate (risk of expansion), 36–39 show reduced penetrance,...