Drugs in R&D
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EGb 761 [Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761, Rökan, Tanakan, Tebonin] is a standardised extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves and has antioxidant properties as a free radical scavenger. A standardised extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves is a well defined product and contains approximately 24% flavone glycosides (primarily quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin) and 6% terpene lactones (2.8-3.4% ginkgolides A, B and C, and 2.6-3.2% bilobalide). Ginkgolide B and bilobalide account for about 0.8% and 3% of the total extract, respectively. ⋯ EGb 761 was undergoing preclinical development for the potential treatment of diabetes in France, diabetic neuropathies in Russia, and cancer in Brazil. However, there has been no recent development for these indications. Beaufour-Ipsen has expressed the intention to license out its diabetes projects that may include EGb 761.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Acetyl-L-carnitine (levacecarnine) in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. A long-term, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
To assess the efficacy and tolerability of acetyl-L-carnitine (levacecarnine; LAC) versus placebo in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, mainly by evaluating the effects of treatment on electrophysiological parameters and pain symptoms. ⋯ LAC was effective and well tolerated in improving neurophysiological parameters and in reducing pain over a 1-year period. LAC is, therefore, a promising treatment option in patients with diabetic neuropathy.