Company Releases Results of Tourette Drug Study (Premium)

On October 5, 2023, Emalex Biosciences released safety data on the use of its investigational drug, ecopipam, for pediatric patients with Tourette syndrome after 12 months of use.  Tourette syndrome is a chronic, childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics. The condition is associated with both increased mortality and significant morbidity.  In the majority of individuals, Tourette syndrome substantially impacts day-to-day physical and social function.

Ecopipam is a first-in-class dopamine-1 receptor antagonist; the antipsychotic agents currently approved to treat Tourette syndrome target the dopamine-2 receptor.

Dopamine antagonists are drugs that keep certain types of cells in your brain from activating. They’re a key type of drug for treating certain mental health conditions and symptoms, especially psychosis and schizophrenia. In simple terms, they’re dopamine receptor blockers. (Source: Cleveland Clinic).