Study Likely To Invesitgate Whether Chantix Improves The Condition Of People Suffering From Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA)
Date: 28th May 2009
A latest revelation by sources make it apparent that a new study is likely to disclose whether the Pfizer manufactured quit smoking drug Chantix facilitates improvement of Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA), a specific disorder that induces destruction of the muscles and nerves. However, sources also reveal that the specific study has been sponsored by Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA).
According to an observation made by Dr.Theresa Zesiewicz, the professor of neurology of the University of South Florida, College of Medicine, when a patient afflicted with fragile X tremor /ataxia syndrome starts administering the anti-smoking drug chantix, his awkward movements as well as balance problems undergo a tremendous improvement. Dr.Theresa Zesiewicz also observed that when the patient stopped taking Chantix, his symptoms aggravated and she obtained similar other results while treating patients with other forms of ataxia.
However, sources have confirmed that Dr.Theresa Zesiewicz would be the leading investigator of the randomized, placebo-controlled and double-blind pilot study that aims to evaluate the role of Chantix in improving the condition of people afflicted with Friedreich’s Ataxia and Dr. David Lynch, the associate professor of neurology and pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, would be the co-investigator.
It is altogether known that Dr.Theresa Zesiewicz has developed a procedure for the chantix experiment and has applied to “Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance” for funding the experiment. Dr.Theresa Zesiewicz states that Varenicline (chantix) operates in the nervous system in a specific manner that is not quite heard of and the specific findings obtained by providing Chantix to ataxia patients yield bits of information that are in need of additional clinical research.
According to Dr. David Lynch, the anti-smoking medication Chantix is found to be entirely different from the other medicines developed for treating Friedreich’s Ataxia and altogether, it is not completely understood how the drug can function to improve specific symptoms of Friedreich’s Ataxia. He adds that if Chantix emerges helpful for Friedreich’s Ataxia, it is likely to offer a suitable approach for curing the disorder.
FARA Executive Director Jennifer Farmer reveals that it is the first clinical experiment that the organization has supported via a research grant. She also makes it apparent that Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) is thankful to the team of researchers who have undertaken an organized study and made this discovery accessible to the patients of Friedreich’s Ataxia. She has altogether, expressed her gratefulness to Pfizer for providing chantix for the experimentation.
Source: USF Health, University of South Florida |
