What is the drug thought to do in the body?
Darifenacin is a drug which is currently used as an overactive bladder treatment. It is now being investigated as a potential treatment for MND. In MND, the connections between muscles cells and neurons are disrupted. This can lead to muscle weakness and wasting. A type of cell called ‘Perisynaptic Schwann Cell’ plays a key role in repairing damaged connections between muscle cells and neurons. Darifenacin is thought to push the Perisynaptic Schwann Cells into ‘repair mode’, improving the communication between muscle cells and neurons.
Phase 2
Current status: recruiting
Primary objective: To investigate the safety and tolerability of Darifenacin in people with MND
As Darifenacin is already known to be safe and well tolerated, a phase 1 trial was not needed. The main aim of the phase 2 trial is to assess the safety and tolerability of Darifenacin in people with MND. They will also measure the effect of Darifenacin on clinical measures, such as the ALSFRS-R scale and measures of muscle function. People who take part will be randomly assigned to take either Darifenacin or a placebo (dummy drug) for 24 weeks. You can find out more about the trial here.
The trial is recruiting in Montréal, Canada.
Last updated: 23/05/25