EPI-743 is an orally bioavailable small molecule and a member of the para-benzoquinone class of drugs.
The trial’s principal investigator, Bambino Gesu Children’s Hospital, division of metabolism Professor Carlo Dionisi-Vici said, "Given the central role of glutathione in cellular redox balance and antioxidant defense systems, we are eager to explore whether a therapeutic that increases glutathione such as EPI-743 will provide clinical benefit."
Improvement in visual function is the primary endpoint of the placebo-controlled study while secondary outcome measurements assess neurologic and neuromuscular function, glutathione biomarkers, quality of life, in addition to safety parameters.
The investigation is aimed at assessing the efficacy of EPI-743 in disorders of intermediary metabolism that also result in redox disturbances.