Arbaclofen placarbil ( , also known as XP19986) is a

prodrug A prodrug is a medication or compound that, after intake, is metabolized (i.e., converted within the body) into a pharmacologically active drug. Instead of administering a drug directly, a corresponding prodrug can be used to improve how the drug ...

of ''R''-

baclofen Baclofen, sold under the brand name Lioresal among others, is a medication used to treat muscle spasticity such as from a spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis. It may also be used for hiccups and muscle spasms near the end of life. It is ta ...

. Arbaclofen placarbil possesses more favorable pharmacokinetic profile than baclofen, with less fluctuations in plasma drug levels. It was being developed as a potential treatment for patients with

GERD Gerd or GERD may refer to: * Gerd (given name), a list of people with the given name or nickname * Gerd (moon), a moon of Saturn * Gerd Island, South Orkney Islands, Antarctica * Gastroesophageal reflux disease, a chronic symptom of mucosal damage ...

and spasticity due to

multiple sclerosis Multiple (cerebral) sclerosis (MS), also known as encephalomyelitis disseminata or disseminated sclerosis, is the most common demyelinating disease, in which the insulating covers of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This d ...

; however, in May 2013 XenoPort announced the termination of development because of unsuccessful results in phase III clinical trials. It is being developed as an addiction medicine to treat alcoholism. It is also studied as a potential therapeutic for some autistic subjects.

References

Abandoned drugs Amino acids Calcium channel blockers Chloroarenes GABA analogues GABAB receptor agonists Prodrugs {{musculoskeletal-drug-stub

See also

References