Antioxidants in FA

Antioxidants are designed to offer some protection against cell damage by chemicals known as free radicals and to enhance the production of energy from cellular mitochondria.
The antioxidant idebenone has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated in a number of clinical trials in FA. Unfortunately, benefits have been modest, at best.
Idebenone is similar to coenzyme Q10, a naturally occurring molecule. In 2010, a large-scale trial of idebenone in people with FA was conducted at several European centers but did not show benefit on neurological rating scales.
A previous large-scale trial of idebenone in children with FA likewise did not show benefit. However, an earlier, phase 2 study, lasting six months and including 48 people, showed a statistical trend toward dose-related improvements in neurological function in those who received idebenone.
New antioxidant compounds are in development. In April 2011, Intellect Neurosciences said it wanted to develop its experimental antioxidant compound OX1 (Oxigon) for FA.