Dalfampridine found to improve motor function

Dalfampridine, also known as 4-aminopyridine, is the active chemical ingredient in Ampyra (dalfampridine) extended release tablets, 10 mg.

In the study, researchers evaluated functional improvement using a battery of standard motor function tests in both the forelimbs and hind limbs, and found that treatment with dalfampridine resulted in significant improvement in function compared to placebo across all measures.

Acorda Therapeutics CEO Andrew R Blight said these are the first preclinical data to show an oral pharmacologic treatment can improve function in chronic, or long term, stroke.

"We are excited by these results and plan to begin proof-of-concept human clinical trials of Ampyra in people with chronic stroke later this year," Blight added.

The findings from the pre-clinical data were presented at the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference in New Orleans, US.

The company also plans to commence a proof-of-concept trial of Ampyra in stroke patients with chronic neurologic deficits by the end of 2012.