Drug Summary: Dimebon (pronounced dee-meh-bon) is an anti-inflammatory drug with a 20-year history of use in Russia. Its potential as a neuroprotective agent was recently recognized when a large chemical library screen found that the class of molecules it belongs to, gamma-carbolines was most likely to be effective in blocking NMDA receptors (see Glutamate excitotoxicity below). Studies are now being undertaken to assess its efficacy. Reports focused on Dimebon’s use in HD are not yet available, but studies testing its potential in treating Alzheimer’s Disease have had encouraging results. These studies have included both lab studies (using rats and nerve cells in culture) and clinical studies with Alzheimer’s patients. Dimebon has been shown to be helpful in treating problems common to the two diseases, including glutamateexcitotoxicity and low levels of acetylcholine. Clinical studies indicate that its protective effects in these cases make a significant difference in alleviating symptoms and improving overall quality of life.
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