Study of Rifampicin in Multiple System Atrophy

Status:	Archived
Conditions:	Other Indications
Therapuetic Areas:	Other
Healthy:	No
Age Range:	Any
Updated:	7/1/2011
Start Date:	February 2011
End Date:	February 2014

Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Rifampicin in Multiple System Atrophy

The purpose of this study is to determine whether Rifampicin is effective in slowing or
reversing the progression of multiple system atrophy (MSA). Research studies indicate that
there is an abnormality in protein synthesis and structure in parts of the brain responsible
for MSA (protein misfolding) and the drug Rifampicin could potentially prevent or reverse
this protein alteration. The study will be done on participants with early MSA. The study
will consist of taking the drug 2 times a day for 12 months. Participants will undergo an
evaluation of symptoms and function and will undergo neurologic examination at the beginning
of the study, at 6 months and at 12 months. They will also be contacted at 3 and 9 months
by telephone. Studies will be done at 10 participating sites.

MSA is a progressive, fatal disorder characterized by autonomic failure and parkinsonism
and/or cerebellar involvement. Neuropathologically, MSA is characterized by glial
cytoplasmic inclusions (GCI) of abnormally aggregated Î±-synuclein (Î±-syn). This is a study
to test the hypothesis that Rifampicin, because of its ability to inhibit the formation of
Î±-synuclein fibrils and disaggregate fibrils already formed, will delay progression or
reverse neurologic and autonomic functions and symptoms in MSA. This approach has been
proposed as a potential approach to treat parkinsonism and specifically, MSA. In an
experimental model of MSA, Rifampicin will improve behavioral abnormalities of MSA and halt
or reverse the pathological changes. The primary objective is to undertake a double-blind
placebo-controlled clinical trial on the effect of Rifampicin on progression of neurological
and autonomic failure in MSA.

We found this trial at

sites

UT Soutwestern Medical Center at Dallas

5303 Harry Hines Boulevard
Dallas, Texas 75390

(214) 648-3111