What is "edaravone"

n. A neuroprotective agent used to aid neurological recovery following acute brain ischemia and subsequent cerebral infarction.

Edaravone (brand name ラジカット, Radicut) is a nootropic and neuroprotective agent used for the purpose of aiding neurological recovery following acute brain ischemia and subsequent cerebral infarction. It acts as a potent antioxidant and strongly scavenges free radicals, protecting against oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis. It has been marketed solely in Japan by Mitsubishi Pharma since 2001. It is also marketed in India by Edinburgh Pharmaceuticals by the brand name Arone.

On June 26, 2015, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation announced it has received approval to market Radicut for treatment of ALS in Japan. The phase III clinical trial began in 2011 in Japan. The company was awarded Orphan Drug Designation for Radicut by the FDA and EU in 2015. Radicut is an intravenous drug and administrated 14 days followed by 14 days drug holiday.

The biotech company Treeway is developing an oral formulation of edaravone (TW001) and is currently in clinical development. Treeway was awarded orphan drug designation for edaravone by the EMA in November 2014 and FDA in January 2015.

Edaravone has been shown to attenuate methamphetamine- and 6-OHDA-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity in the striatum and substantia nigra, and does not affect methamphetamine-induced dopamine release or hyperthermia. It has also been demonstrated to protect against MPTP-mediated dopaminergic neurotoxicity to the substantia nigra, though notably not to the striatum.