Significant tic reduction
Commenting on the findings, Jessica Frey, MD, a movement disorders fellow at the University of Florida, said the new double-blind, placebo-controlled study “is promising” in that it demonstrates significant tic reduction, compared with placebo without significant side effects.
“Ecopipam could potentially expand pharmacologic treatment options for children and adolescents with Tourette syndrome in the near future,” she said.
Dr. Frey will also be presenting results at the meeting of a study showing a significant correlation between tic severity and social media use among adolescents with Tourette syndrome during the COVID pandemic.
She noted that dopamine is an important neurotransmitter in the underlying pathophysiology of Tourette syndrome. In addition, although D2 receptor blockade can provide significant tic reduction, the “intolerable” side effects often linked to medications with this mechanism “can lead to discontinuation,” said Dr. Frey.
She also noted that ecopipam has previously been evaluated in an open-label study and a follow-up placebo-controlled study that demonstrated safety as well as significant tic reduction.
The study was supported by Emalex Biosciences. Dr. Gilbert and Dr. Frey report no relevant financial relationships.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.