Olesoxime (TRO19622) is an experimental drug formerly under development by the now-defunct French company Trophos as a treatment for a range of neuromuscular disorders. It has a cholesterol-like structure and belongs to the cholesterol-oxime family of mitochondrial pore modulators.[1][2]
Identifiers | |
---|---|
| |
CAS Number |
|
PubChem CID |
|
ChemSpider |
|
UNII |
|
KEGG |
|
Chemical and physical data | |
Formula | C27H45NO |
Molar mass | 399.663 g·mol−1 |
3D model (JSmol) |
|
| |
|
In preclinical studies, the compound displayed neuroprotective properties by promoting the function and survival of neurons and other cell types under disease-relevant stress conditions. It did so through interactions with two components of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), VDAC and TSPO.[3] In preclinical studies on Huntington's disease, the disease-attenuating effects of olesoxime were attributed to modulating the activity of calcium-dependent proteases called calpains.[4][5]
A 2009–2011 phase 3 clinical trial in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis did not demonstrate an increase in survival.[6] A 2011–2013 trial in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) indicated that the compound may prevent deterioration of muscle function.[7][8] In 2015, the entire olesoxime programme was purchased by Hoffmann-La Roche for €120 million with a view to developing a treatment for SMA. However, in June 2018, faced with technical and regulatory challenges and competition from a potentially more effective drug nusinersen, Roche halted further development of olesoxime.[9]