Teaching an old drug new tricks: repositioning strategies for spinal muscular atrophy

Bowerman

Abstract

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a childhood disorder caused by loss of the survival motor neuron (SMN) gene. Pathological hallmarks are spinal cord motor neuron death, neuromuscular junction dysfunction and muscle atrophy. The first SMN genetic therapy was recently approved and other SMN-dependent treatments are not far behind. However, not all SMA patients will reap their maximal benefit due to limited accessibility, high costs and differential effects depending on timing of administration and disease severity. The repurposing of commercially available drugs is an interesting strategy to ensure more rapid and less expensive access to new treatments. In this mini-review, we will discuss the potential and relevance of repositioning drugs currently used for neurodegenerative, neuromuscular and muscle disorders for SMA.

Citation

Bowerman. (2019). Teaching an old drug new tricks: repositioning strategies for spinal muscular atrophy. Future Neurology, 14(3), https://doi.org/10.2217/fnl-2019-0006

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 9, 2019
• Publication Date: Aug 22, 2019
• Journal: Future Neurology
• Print ISSN: 1479-6708
• Publisher: Future Medicine
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 14
• Issue: 3
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.2217/fnl-2019-0006
• Keywords: drug repositioning, motor neuron, neuromuscular disorders, neuromuscular junction, skeletal muscle, spinal muscular atrophy, survival motor neurontherapies
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.2217/fnl-2019-0006