Anavex Life Sciences Corp (AVXL)

[falconer66a]

The GABA problem.

Have you tried GABA supplements? [for hereditary spastic paraplegia]

Thank you. Yes I have, but to no avail. GABA (gamma-aminobuytric acid) is available over the counter. My wife takes 500mg a day. It keeps her psychologically calm. For that, it works for her.

But GABA is a large molecule and therefore does not pierce well the blood/brain barrier. Simply, by oral supplementation enough GABA can't get inside neurons to suppress their hyperexcitability in my disease (HSP), the process that causes the spasticity in my distal muscles.

For severe cases of HSP a rubber bladder of GABA can be surgically inserted in the spinal column. GABA is excreted from the device and is then able to diffuse into the long nerves or act at the synapses. This is an expensive surgery, with all sorts of complications (equivalent to open brain surgery). The bladder is re-filled by injecting more GABA into it. Metering the device to get the correct amount of GABA in the spinal column can be problematic. Fortunately, I have (presently) a very mild case of HSP. This intrathecal device is not yet indicated for me.

If I'm fortunate, blarcamesine will be approved for HSP. Far better than GABA, either orally or by an intrathecal device. And, a WHOLE lot cheaper.