In preclinical studies, the compound displayed neuroprotective properties by promoting the function and survival of neurons and other cell types under disease-relevant stress conditions. It did so through interactions with two components of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), VDAC and TSPO.[3] In preclinical studies on Huntington's disease, the disease-attenuating effects of olesoxime were attributed to modulating the activity of calcium-dependent proteases called calpains.[4][5]
A 2009–2011 phase 3 clinical trial in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis did not demonstrate an increase in survival.[6] A 2011–2013 trial in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) indicated that the compound may prevent deterioration of muscle function.[7][8] In 2015, the entire olesoxime programme was purchased by Hoffmann-La Roche for €120 million with a view to developing a treatment for SMA. However, in June 2018, faced with technical and regulatory challenges and competition from a potentially more effective drug nusinersen, Roche halted further development of olesoxime.[9]
^"Olesoxime". New Drugs Online Report. UK Medicines Information. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03.
^Bordet T, Buisson B, Michaud M, Drouot C, Galéa P, Delaage P, et al. (August 2007). "Identification and characterization of cholest-4-en-3-one, oxime (TRO19622), a novel drug candidate for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis". The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 322 (2): 709–720. doi:10.1124/jpet.107.123000. PMID17496168. S2CID17271734.
^Bertini E, Dessaud E, Mercuri E, Muntoni F, Kirschner J, Reid C, et al. (July 2017). "Safety and efficacy of olesoxime in patients with type 2 or non-ambulatory type 3 spinal muscular atrophy: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial". The Lancet. Neurology. 16 (7): 513–522. doi:10.1016/S1474-4422(17)30085-6. hdl:2434/501447. PMID28460889. S2CID5842023.
Bordet T, Buisson B, Michaud M, Abitbol JL, Marchand F, Grist J, et al. (August 2008). "Specific antinociceptive activity of cholest-4-en-3-one, oxime (TRO19622) in experimental models of painful diabetic and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy". The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 326 (2): 623–632. doi:10.1124/jpet.108.139410. PMID18492948. S2CID33726393.