Current Clinical Trials for Angelman Syndrome
There are a number of clinical trials for Angelman Syndrome that are actively recruiting participants. You can also register to be alerted when new trials are added.Here is a list of current trials:
Minocycline in the Treatment of Angelman Syndrome
There is mounting evidence to suggest that a treatment for Angelman syndrome is not just possible, but probable. The lack of known molecular targets associated with AS has hampered the development of specific therapeutics. However, a recent surge of potential therapeutics for other disorders associated with cognitive disruption has begun to be used in human clinical trials. The molecular modes of action for many of these new therapeutic agents have correlates to counter the molecular defects observed in AS. One such agent is minocycline (MC), a drug traditionally used as an antibiotic. This compound administered to a mouse model of AS showed a significant decrease in motor deficit and an increase in long term potentiation. The investigators believe a similar result will be observed when minocycline is administered to the AS patient and may lead to the development of an effective AS therapeutic.
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01531582?term=angelman+syndrome&rank=3
Levadopa Study
Levodopa is a prodrug that "delivers" dopamine to the brain. It is usually given with carbidopa, a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor, to increase the bioavailability of levodopa. Animal studies have suggested that levodopa can reverse the excess phosphorylation of some enzymes involved in synaptic and neuronal function, including calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase type 2 (CaMKII). Recently, it was shown that excess phosphorylation of CaMKII may be responsible for some of the neurological deficits seen in Angelman syndrome. Therefore, it is hypothesized that levodopa may lead to an improvement in the neurodevelopment and abnormal movements (e.g. tremors) in children with Angelman syndrome. Although many children have used levodopa for a variety of medical conditions over the last 30 years, it has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in children, and it has not been formally studied in children with Angelman syndrome. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to find out whether levodopa will lead to an improvement in the development and in the tremor in children with AS.
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01281475?term=Angelman&rank=2
Natural History Study
This study is designed to conduct longitudinal multidisciplinary investigations on the natural history, morbidity and mortality of Angelman Syndrome (AS). Detailed longitudinal data on a cohort of AS individuals will be collected to gain a better understanding of the disease progression, and follow the natural history of the clinical features of this patient cohort including assessment of quality of life and longevity.
http://rarediseasesnetwork.epi.usf.edu/arpwsc/studies/as-5203.htm or
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00296764?term=Angelman&rank=3
Sleep Treatment Study
This research study will investigate sleep behavior in the rare neurological disorders Angelman Syndrome (AS), Rett Syndrome (RTT) and Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). Sleep is very important to proper health and plays a critical role in learning, memory, brain development and brain function. Sleep disturbances can have negative effects on health and the quality of life of children and their families. Sleep disorders are common in individuals with AS, RTT or PWS. As a result, individuals with AS, RTT or PWS are at risk for sleep-related health problems that can worsen existing daytime behaviors and lead to additional problems with learning and memory.
http://rarediseasesnetwork.epi.usf.edu/arpwsc/studies/all-5207.htm
