Tezampanel, TorreyPines Therapeutics' Lead Compound, Reduced Muscle Spasticity and Rigidity in Preclinical Study Conducted at University of California,...(panel wasfound to block transmission of ...),Health

"Our research builds upon the growing appreciation for the role of increased glutamate release in both the triggering and the maintenance of several motor system disorders, and in the critical role that glutamate antagonists may have in reducing or reversing the damaging effects of the glutamate cascade," said Dr. Heffernan. "The potency of this compound in reducing spasticity and rigidity, as well as the minimal side effects after intrathecal delivery indicate that as a glutamate receptor antagonist, tezampanel may represent a unique and effective therapy for patients suffering with chronic spinal injury-induced spasticity and rigidity," said Dr. Marsala.

"To the best of our knowledge, tezampanel is the first AMPA/kainate receptor antagonist to be tested in humans and we believe these receptors represent an important new target for treating a variety of CNS diseases and disorders," said Dr. Kurtz. "While we remain committed to developing tezampanel for the treatment of acute migraine, our preclinical and clinical data demonstrate potential utility across a range of pain conditions, as well as diseases such as epilepsy and anxiety. These exciting results from the UCSD researchers further reinforce our belief in the versatility of this first-in-class compound."

Currently, patients experiencing muscle spasticity and rigidity are typically treated with muscle relaxants, tranquilizers or a GABA receptor agonist such as baclofen. Treatment may also include physical therapy regimens to prevent shrinkage or shortening of muscles. In the study, animals treated with tezampanel showed statistically significant (p=0.01) suppression of tonic electromyography activity as well as dose-dependent suppression of peripheral muscle resistanc
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