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Safinamide.

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  • 1. BioNeuroFar s.a.s, V. Della Vittoria 22 21016, Luino, Italy.
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    • Fariello RG 1
    (1 author)

Neurotherapeutics : the Journal of the American Society for Experimental Neurotherapeutics, 01 Jan 2007, 4(1):110-116
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurt.2006.11.011 PMID: 17199024 PMCID: PMC7479707

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Abstract 

Safinamide (SAF) ((S)-(+)-2-(4-(3-fluorobenzyloxy) benzylamino)propanamide) was initially synthetized by Farmitalia Carlo Erba (Italy). Following initial anticonvulsant screening, safinamide was selected for its potency, broad spectrum of action, and good safety margin. Pharmacodynamic properties probably relevant to its antiepileptic activity are use- and frequency-dependent block of voltage sensitive Na+ channels, block of Ca++ channels, and glutamate release inhibition. Possibly contributing mechanism are also selective and reversible monoamide oxidase B inhibition and dopamine and noradrenaline uptake inhibition. The high selectivity for the sigma-1 receptor site does not entail psychotomimetic or behavioral changes. In several experimental in vitro and in vivo conditions, SAF exerts neurorescuing and neuroprotectant effects. Safinamide is water soluble and suitable for 1 times a day oral administration in humans. In a pilot phase II study in 38 refractory epilepsy patients affected by multiple types of seizures, 41% of subjects obtained > or =50% seizure reduction during a 12-week escalating dose up to 300 mg 1 times day compared with perspective baseline. Safinamide is being developed in phase III for treatment of Parkinson's disease, whereas the development in epilepsy relates to the industrial strategy of the company.

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Logo of neurotherLink to Publisher's site
Neurotherapeutics. 2007 Jan; 4(1): 110–116.
PMCID: PMC7479707
PMID: 17199024

Safinamide

Ruggero G. Fariellocorresponding author
Author information Copyright and License information Disclaimer

Summary

Safinamide (SAF) ((S)-(+)-2-(4-(3-fluorobenzyloxy) benzylamino)propanamide) was initially synthetized by Farmitalia Carlo Erba (Italy). Following initial anticonvulsant screening, safinamide was selected for its potency, broad spectrum of action, and good safety margin. Pharmacodynamic properties probably relevant to its antiepileptic activity are use-and frequency-dependent block of voltage sensitive Na+ channels, block of Ca+ ++ channels, and glutamate release inhibition. Possibly contributing mechanism are also selective and reversible monoamide oxidase B inhibition and dopamine and nor-adrenaline uptake inhibition. The high selectivity for the sigma-1 receptor site does not entail psychotomimetic or behavioral changes. In several experimental in vitro and in vivo conditions, SAF exerts neurorescuing and neuroprotectant effects. Safinamide is water soluble and suitable for 1 times a day oral administration in humans. In a pilot phase II study in 38 refractory epilepsy patients affected by multiple types of seizures, 41% of subjects obtained ≥50% seizure reduction during a 12-week escalating dose up to 300 mg 1 times day compared with perspective baseline. Safinamide is being developed in phase III for treatment of Parkinson’s disease, whereas the development in epilepsy relates to the industrial strategy of the company.

Key Words: Safinamide, SAF, Na+ channels, glutamate release and MAO-B inhibition, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy

References

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