Active clinical trials for "Ataxia"

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of EPI-743 in patients with Friedreich's Ataxia point mutations

Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of children and adults for which there is presently no therapy. Recently, a study reported that interferon gamma (IFN-g) could raise frataxin protein levels in both cell lines derived from patients with Friedreich ataxia and in a mouse model with Friedreich ataxia. The present study will test whether IFN-g is safe, tolerated and potentially efficacious in a heterogeneous cohort of children with FRDA.

The study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of allogenous transplantation of adipose-derived mesenchyma stem cells in patients with cerebellar ataxia.

Friedreich's ataxia is a rare genetic disorder characterized by severe neurological disability and cardiomyopathy. Friedreich's ataxia is the consequence of frataxin deficiency. Although several drugs have been proposed, there is no available treatment. It was recently demonstrated that erythropoietin can increase the intracellular levels of frataxin in an in-vitro model. The present project is aimed at testing the possible therapeutic approach of erythropoietin, which is an already available and commercialized drug. The investigators will perform both in-vitro and in-vivo tests, in order to asses its efficacy and safety in patients. The results will be useful to plan further clinical trials.

Ataxia-Telangiectasia A-T is a neurodegenerative disorder of the cerebellum, manifesting with ataxia, as well as extrapyramidal features. Treatment of A-T is discouraging, since no treatment seems to change the course of disease, but improvement can be achieved by symptomatic treatment of the bothersome movement disorder . While various dopaminergic agents are occasionally used, reports of benefit are rather sparse and anecdotal. Amantadine, a well known drug used in influenza as well as movement disorder of Parkinson, has been proved to improve various other types of movement disorder as ataxia, chorea, dystonia, akinesia and attention span. The purpose of this study is to investigate weather amantadine sulphate improves ataxia and the movement disorder (bradykinesia, parkinsonism, dystonia, chorea), as well as the general well being in patients with A-T.

This study will determine the highest dose of idebonone that can safely be given to patients with Friedrich's ataxia, an inherited degenerative disease that causes loss of muscle coordination, speech problems, weakness and sensory loss. Enlargement of the left ventricle (the large pumping chamber of the heart) is also common in this disease. In studies in France and Canada, patients with Friedrich's ataxia who were given idebonone, an antioxidant similar to the dietary supplement coenzyme Q, had a decrease in the size of their left ventricle. Patients 5 years and older with Friedrich's ataxia may be eligible for this study. Pregnant and lactating women may not participate. Candidates will be screened with a medical history and physical examination and a review of genetic studies. Patients who have not had genetic studies will be offered genetic counseling and testing to confirm or rule out Friedrich's ataxia. Participants will be admitted to the NIH Clinical Center for 3 days. They will have blood and urine tests and a heart evaluation, including an echocardiogram-a procedure that uses sound waves to produce images of the heart, and an electrocardiogram-a study of the electrical activity of the heart. When these tests have been completed, patients will take an idebonone capsule. They will be monitored for side effects for 72 hours. Blood samples will be collected through an intravenous catheter (flexible plastic tube placed in a vein) 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours after the drug is taken to determine how long it takes for the drug to be eliminated from the body. Patients will return for a follow-up visit within 1 to 8 weeks. Those who experienced no serious side effects may receive another, higher dose of the drug, with at least 6 days between doses.

ATRIL is a multi-centric, double-blind randomized, two-arm controlled study. 42 SpinoCerebellar Ataxia type 2 (SCA2) patients, both gender, at least 18 years of age will be included. Riluzole 50 mg will be administered (per os) twice a day, versus one group with placebo for 12 months. Riluzole (Rilutek®) is a benzothiazole drug, market approved, for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It delays the onset of ventilator-dependence or tracheostomy in selected patients and may increase survival. Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) will be used at M0, M6 and M12. To assess primary criterion, the percentage of patients with a decrease of at least 1 point of the SARA score between the inclusion visit, and Visit 3 (Months 12) will be calculated.

This study was planned to investigate the effects of exercise training based on Microsoft Kinect application on balance and postural control in ataxic patients.

The project will study a therapeutic approach in Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA38) by DHA replacement. SCA38 is caused by missense mutations in the ELOVL5 (Elongation of very long chain fatty acids protein 5) gene. Background/Rationale: ELOVL5 is a microsomal fatty acid elongase gene required for the synthesis of arachidonic acid and DHA. In brain, it shows a peculiar high expression in cerebellar Purkinje cells. The ELOVL5 products, such as DHA, are decreased in SCA38 patients serum and DHA administered as a dietary supplement has been shown to improve SARA scores, to ameliorate quality of life, and to increase brain cerebellar hypometabolism (FDG-PET) in two SCA38 patients. Experimental Plan: The investigators will perform a randomized placebo-controlled trial by DHA supplementation on ten SCA38 patients, followed by an open-label phase. Expected results: DHA supplementation should be able to improve symptoms in SCA38 and to improve cerebellar hypometabolism in these patients.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of TAK-831 versus placebo on upper extremity (arm and hands) motor function and manual dexterity. This study will also evaluate the efficacy of TAK-831 versus placebo on activities of daily living (ADL) and other secondary assessments.