Expert Opin Orphan Drugs. 2016 Apr;4(4):395-406. doi: 10.1517/21678707.2016.1154453. Epub 2016 Mar 10.
Expert opinion on orphan drugs
William B Rizzo
PMID: 27547594 PMCID: PMC4989507 DOI: 10.1517/21678707.2016.1154453
INTRODUCTION: Sjögren-Larsson syndrome (SLS) is a rare neurocutaneous disease characterized by ichthyosis, spasticity, intellectual disability and a distinctive retinopathy. It is caused by inactivating mutations in
AREAS COVERED: The clinical, pathologic and genetic features of SLS are summarized. The biochemical abnormalities caused by deficient activity of FALDH are reviewed in the context of proposed pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions.
EXPERT OPINION: The most promising pharmacologic approach to SLS involves blocking the formation of potentially harmful fatty aldehyde adducts using aldehyde scavenging drugs, currently in phase 2 clinical trials. Other approaches needing further investigation include: 1) ALDH-specific activator drugs and PPAR-α agonists to increase mutant FALDH activity; 2) inhibitors of the JNK phosphorylation cascade; 3) antioxidants to decrease aldehyde load; 4) dietary lipid modification; and 5) gene therapy.
Keywords: Aldehyde dehydrogenase; aldehyde scavenging drugs; fatty alcohol; fatty aldehyde; ichthyosis; intellectual disability; spasticity