MS Drug Could Counter Poor Working Memory

A new study has determined that a medication normally prescribed for multiple sclerosis can help persons with poor working memory. Working memory is an important component of cognitive function. Sadly, it is often impaired in patients with conditions like schizophrenia.

The study was led by University of Basel’s Professors Dominique de Quervain and Andreas Papassotiropoulos. For their randomized and double-blind study, the researchers tested the efficacy of fampridine on the working memory of forty-three healthy adults. Fampridine, the medication in question, is normally used to enhance walking ability for patients with multiple sclerosis.

Patients with this chronic illness often experience walking difficulties, which can range from unsteadiness, foot drop and leg weakness, to balance issues and sensory ataxia. The drug is normally found in capsule form and works by slowly releasing an active ingredient in the body. It has demonstrated effects on cognitive performance in patients with multiple sclerosis, with others admitting that the drug also eases mental fatigue that can accompany this chronic autoimmune disease.

The researchers discovered that fampridine demonstrated a pronounced effect in individuals whose baseline working memory was at low levels. In particular, they found these individuals had better scores in relevant tests after they’d taken the drug for 3 days. This is in comparison to the performance of participants who received the placebo.

The researchers also found that the medication demonstrated no effect in individuals with good baseline working memory.

Additionally, they observed that the drug heightened bran excitability in every participant, which in turn allowed stimuli to be processed faster. In their report, Prof. Papassotiropoulos explained that while fampridine didn’t improve working memory in all individuals, it could be a treatment option for individuals with poor working memory.

Prof.de Quervain then revealed that this was why they were planning research to test the effectiveness of fampridine in depression and schizophrenia, in collaboration with investigators from the University Psychiatric Clinics Basel.

It should be noted that fampridine wasn’t selected at random for the study. The researchers conducted thorough analyzes of genome data to determine starting points for repurposing established medications. They found that fampridine acted on certain ion channels in nerve cells that also played a role in mental health conditions like schizophrenia.

The study’s findings were published in the Molecular Psychiatry journal.

Other researchers involved included Christiane Gerhards, Virginie Freytag, Annette Harings-Kaim, Nathalie Schicktanz, Thomas Schlitt, Amanda Aerni, Elia Müggler, Ehssan Amini, and Tamás Faludi.

As companies like Clene Inc. (NASDAQ: CLNN) make progress in their efforts to develop new medications for multiple sclerosis, it is gratifying to learn that those drugs could one day be repurposed and potentially help in the management of the symptoms of other conditions.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Clene Inc. (NASDAQ: CLNN) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/CLNN

About BioMedWire

BioMedWire (“BMW”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on the latest developments in the Biotechnology (BioTech), Biomedical Sciences (BioMed) and Life Sciences sectors. It is one of 70+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, BMW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, BMW brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness.

BMW is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.

To receive SMS alerts from BioMedWire, “Biotech” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.BioMedWire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the BioMedWire website applicable to all content provided by BMW, wherever published or re-published: https://www.BioMedWire.com/Disclaimer

BioMedWire
San Francisco, CA
www.BioMedWire.com
415.949.5050 Office
Editor@BioMedWire.com

BioMedWire is powered by IBN