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Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of interferon- γ 1b in Friedreich Ataxia
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of interferon- γ 1b in Friedreich Ataxia

David R Lynch, Lauren Hauser, Ashley McCormick, McKenzie Wells, Yi Na Dong, Shana McCormack, Kim Schadt, Susan Perlman, Sub H Subramony, Katherine D Mathews, …
Annals of clinical and translational neurology, Vol.6(3), pp.546-553
03/2019
DOI: 10.1002/acn3.731
PMCID: PMC6414489
PMID: 30911578
url
https://doi.org/10.1002/acn3.731View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

In vitro, in vivo, and open-label studies suggest that interferon gamma (IFN- 1b) may improve clinical features in Friedreich Ataxia through an increase in frataxin levels. The present study evaluates the efficacy and safety of IFN- 1b in the treatment of Friedreich Ataxia through a double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial. Ninety-two subjects with FRDA between 10 and 25 years of age were enrolled. Subjects received either IFN- 1b or placebo for 6 months. The primary outcome measure was the modified Friedreich Ataxia Rating Scale (mFARS). No difference was noted between the groups after 6 months of treatment in the mFARS or secondary outcome measures. No change was noted in buccal cell or whole blood frataxin levels. However, during an open-label extension period, subjects had a more stable course than expected based on natural history data. This study provides no direct evidence for a beneficial effect of IFN- 1b in FRDA. The modest stabilization compared to natural history data leaves open the possibility that longer studies may demonstrate benefit.
Recombinant Proteins - therapeutic use Friedreich Ataxia - drug therapy Double-Blind Method Interferon-gamma - therapeutic use Humans Iron-Binding Proteins - blood Male Treatment Outcome Young Adult Adolescent Friedreich Ataxia - blood Adult Female Child

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