In a recent study, a company called Emalex Biosciences tested a new drug called Ecopipam for treating Tourette syndrome, a condition that causes involuntary movements and sounds. The drug was tested on both children and adults. It showed promising results, reducing symptoms in many participants.
Ecopipam works by blocking a specific brain receptor related to dopamine, a chemical that influences movement and behavior. In the study, 41.2% of adults who took Ecopipam experienced a relapse, compared to 67.9% who took a placebo (a substance with no active drug). For children, those on Ecopipam had a 41.9% relapse rate versus a 68.1% rate in the placebo group.
Emalex Biosciences plans to discuss with health authorities, including the US FDA, the possibility of getting the drug approved for use by 2025.
In the broader market, other treatments for Tourette syndrome include a drug called Abilify (aripiprazole), which is widely used. However, the overall market for Tourette therapies is shrinking and expected to drop from $248 million in 2024 to $84 million by 2030.
Tourette syndrome affects about 0.3% of children in the US, with boys more likely to have it than girls. Emalex Biosciences hopes that Ecopipam will offer new hope for these patients, as the company continues to work with doctors and patient groups to develop effective treatments.
Meanwhile, another company, SciSparc, is starting trials for a different treatment called SCI-110 for adults with Tourette syndrome.
The study mentioned was part of a larger effort to find more effective treatments for Tourette syndrome, as current options are limited.