Acorda Therapeutics Presents Preclinical Data Showing Dalfampridine Improves Motor Function in Chronic Stroke
Clinical Trials Friday, February 10th, 2012
First ever data to demonstrate improvement in motor function following stroke with oral drug treatment initiated several weeks after event.
HAWTHORNE, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb. 3, 2012– Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACOR) presented data showing that treatment with dalfampridine improved motor function in a preclinical model of stroke, with treatment initiated at least four weeks following the ischemic event. These data were presented onFebruary 2 at the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference in New Orleans, LA. Dalfampridine, also known as 4-aminopyridine, is the active chemical ingredient in AMPYRA®(dalfampridine) Extended Release Tablets, 10 mg.
“These are the first preclinical data to show an oral pharmacologic treatment can improve function in chronic, or long term, stroke. We are excited by these results and plan to begin proof-of-concept human clinical trials of AMPYRA in people with chronic stroke later this year,” said Andrew R. Blight, Ph.D., Acorda Therapeutics’ Chief Scientific Officer. “The majority of the nearly seven million people in the United States who live with the long term effects of a stroke have motor function deficits, such as walking impairment, but there are no established treatments other than physical therapy to address these impairments.”
A late-breaking science presentation, entitled “Dalfampridine Improves Sensorimotor Function in Rats with Chronic Deficits Following Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion,” presented by Acorda scientist Jennifer Iaci, reviewed data from three study groups that received treatment beginning four weeks after a permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO). The neurological impairments that result are expected to be permanent by four weeks, which represents the chronic stage of stroke. Each group received three treatment phases over the course of the study: high and low doses of dalfampridine, and placebo. The order of the treatment phases was different for each group, with a 10 day washout period between each phase. Read Full Article
