Effects of Coenzyme Q10 in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)

Effects of Coenzyme Q10 in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP): A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double Blind Study

The clinical syndrome of PSP responds poorly to all available forms of therapy used in Parkinson's Disease (PD). Currently, no effective treatment exists. Coenzyme Q10 in high doses has been shown to be a beneficial therapy in PD and might possibly be a beneficial therapy for PSP. This study will compare the efficacy, safety and tolerability of Coenzyme Q10 versus placebo in patients with atypical parkinsonian syndrome, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

The study is designed as a multicenter randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind trial. Up to 60 patients with PSP will be enrolled at several centers in the United States

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of PSP/diagnosed within the past 5 years
• Either vertical supranuclear palsy or both slowing of vertical saccades
• Prominent postural instability with falls in the first year of disease onset
• No evidence of other diseases that could explain the foregoing features

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current or previous therapeutic use of CoQ10
• Parkinsonism due to drugs
• History of pallidotomy, thalamotomy, active deep brain stimulator or fetal tissue transplant
• History of active epilepsy, stroke, structural brain disease
• Use of methylphenidate hydrochloride, cinnarizine, reserpine, amphetamines, or monoamine oxidase-A inhibitors within 3 months before the baseline visit.
• Active cancer or cancer undergoing treatment
• Participation in other drug studies or the use of other investigational drugs within 30 days before screening.
• Known hypersensitivity to Coenzyme Q10.
• Pregnant, planning a pregnancy or nursing woman