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 . A method of treating multiple sclerosis in a subject in need of treatment thereof, the method consisting of orally administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of gliclazide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or tautomer thereof. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the multiple sclerosis is relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis or secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the gliclazide is administered at a dose of between about 10 μg/kg to about 2000 μg/kg. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the administration begins after the first symptoms occur. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the gliclazide is administered once daily. 
     
     
         6 . A method of treating multiple sclerosis in a subject in need of treatment thereof, the method consisting of co-administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of gliclazide or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or tautomer thereof and a therapeutically effective amount of an anti-neurodegenerative agent. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the multiple sclerosis is relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis or secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the gliclazide is administered at a dose of between about 10 μg/kg to about 2000 μg/kg. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the administration begins after the first symptoms occur. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the gliclazide is administered once daily.