A Pilot Therapeutic Trial Using Hydroxyurea in Type II and Type III Spinal Muscular Atrophy Patients

SMA is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by degeneration of spinal cord motor neurons and muscular atrophy. SMA is classified into three clinical subtypes according to the severity and age of onset (Types I, II and III). Type II (intermediate) SMA has its onset in early childhood (prior to 18 months) and is characterized by the failure to stand or walk unassisted. Individuals with Type III SMA (mild SMA or Kugelberg-Welander disease) typically develop symptoms after 18 months of age and display a wide range of clinical heterogeneity. The clinical spectrum ranges from rapid progressive weakness resulting in wheelchair dependence in late childhood to patients being able to walk in adult years and living productive and independent lifestyles for the majority of their lives.

In our laboratory, our preliminary results indicate that HU treatment significantly increases both SMN mRNA expression and intact SMN protein levels in vitro. These data confirm previous observations that in vitro treatments of SMA lymphocytes with hydroxyurea resulted in augmentation of the SMN2 gene expression in a dose and time related manner. Based on these exciting pre-clinical data, coupled with the well-documented side-effect profile of HU in children, we are conducting a pilot clinical trial using HU in children with Types II and III SMA. This clinical trial study is intended to establish the safety profile in children with Types II and III SMA; to identify reliable outcome measures; and to detect the possible clinical efficacy of HU treatment in children with Types II and III SMA.