Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on LinkedIn
Share by Email
Print
Naftazone efficacy on dyskinesia and motor fluctuations in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) did not translate from preclinical models to the clinical trial, according to study outcomes recently published in Parkinsonism and Related Disorders.
Naftazone inhibits the release of glutamate and has exhibited antiparkinsonian and antidyskinetic properties in preclinical models. In addition, it has been proven safe in humans as a 30 mg oral treatment for varicose veins and venous insufficiency. Investigators conducted a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial to test its effectiveness on dyskinesia and motor fluctuations in patients with PD.
The study included 16 patients diagnosed with PD according to the UK PD Society Brain Bank Clinical Diagnosis criteria. Patients were between 40 and 75 years of age, had Hoehn and Yahr stage 2 to 4 in OFF state, were experiencing dyskinesia and motor fluctuations with a minimum of 2 hours of OFF state per day, and spent >25% of their time with dyskinesia.
Participants were all on optimal and stable doses/regimens of antiparkinsonian medications for a minimum of 1 month prior to the study. These treatments were kept constant throughout the study. Participants took 160 mg of naftazone per day for 14 days.
There was no difference for area under curve of motor (MDS-UPDRS part III) and dyskinesia (AIMS) scores (-89; 95% CI, -1071 to 893; P =.85 vs 70; 95% CI, -192 to 332; P=.57, respectively) between placebo and treatment groups.
There remains a need to improve motor complications in patients with PD. Investigators suggested further research with emphasis on postural/gait disturbances and longer treatment duration could still reveal an application for naftazone in patients with PD.
This study was supported by Clevexel Pharma SA and multiple authors report affiliations with the pharmaceutical industry. See the reference for complete disclosure information.
Reference
Corvol JC, Durif F, Meissner WG, et al. Naftazone in advanced Parkinson’s disease: An acute L-DOPA challenge randomized control trial [published online October 4, 2018]. Parkinsonism Relat Disord. doi: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2018.10.005
