Method of treating or preventing neurodegeneration

Abstract

The invention relates to a compound which is effective in inhibiting the function of the TRPM4 ion channel and the use of such compound in treating or preventing a neurodegenerative disease, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in a subject. The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a TRPM4 inhibitory compound. The invention further relates to in vitro methods for identifying pharmaceutically active compounds that are useful for treating or preventing a neurodegenerative disease.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A method of treating multiple sclerosis in a subject in need of treatment thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of gliclazide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, tautamer or ester thereof. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the multiple sclerosis is relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis or secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the gliclazide is administered at a dose of between about 10 ug/kg to about 2000 ug/kg. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the administration begins after the first clinical symptoms occur. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein the gliclazide is administered once daily. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the dose of gliclazide is administered orally to the subject.