idebenone

Idebenone is a synthetic analog of coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) and belongs to the quinone family. It was initially developed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders, but with limited clinical success in these indications. Idebenone acts as an antioxidant and functions as an electron carrier in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, thereby increasing ATP production and inhibiting lipid peroxidation. It has been investigated for several neuromuscular diseases including Friedreich's ataxia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy), primary progressive multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). The drug is approved by the European Medicines Agency for LHON and was designated an orphan drug in 2007. In Canada it has been approved for Friedreich’s ataxia under certain conditions. Idebenone is also used off-label or studied for its potential neuroprotective effects due to its strong antioxidant properties[1][3][4][7].

Brand names

RaxoneCatenaSovrima

Other names

2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-6-(10-hydroxydecyl)-1,4-benzoquinoneHydroxydecyl BenzoquinoneIdebenonaIdébénoneAvanDarumaMnesis