Minocycline May Have A Negative Effect In Some Neurological Conditions

Main Category: Neurology / Neuroscience
Also Included In: Multiple Sclerosis
Article Date: 19 Nov 2007 - 3:00 PST

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New research published in the journal The Lancet Neurology has shown that the drug minocycline may have a harmful effect in people with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) according to one of the first randomised trials in people with a neurological disorder.

Minocycline can be used to treat bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, acne and urinary infections. It has been shown to have a neuroprotective effect in animal models of stroke, trauma, and neurodegenerative disorders. Phase II trials suggested that minocycline could be taken safely by people with ALS, commonly known as motor neuron disease. On the basis of these positive results plans were made for many further trials of minocycline in neurodegenerative conditions.

However, the most recent, late stage trial carried out in 412 people with ALS showed people treated with minocycline deteriorated at a 25 per cent faster rate according to the ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R).

This has implications for several trials that are planned or in progress for minocycline in patients with Huntington's disease, stroke, dementia, and multiple sclerosis.

Initial research has shown that minocycline may be an effective treatment in delaying the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) for people in the early stages of the condition. A clinical trial involving 200 participants across Canada has subsequently been planned. The authors of the ALS trial suggest that their findings should be taken into account by those involved in trials of minocycline in other neurological diseases.

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