Resveratrol and Dimethyl Fumarate Combination Therapy Shows Promise in Friedreich’s Ataxia: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a rare inherited disorder that affects the nervous system and heart, with no approved therapies yet. Researchers tested eight compounds—including nicotinamide riboside (NR), resveratrol, and dimethyl fumarate—on patient cells to see how they affected frataxin (FXN) production and mitochondrial function. While some single drugs like dimethyl fumarate and resveratrol improved these measures, combining them gave the strongest benefits, boosting FXN levels, enhancing mitochondrial activity, reducing oxidative stress, and improving nerve and heart cell function. In FA mice, this combination also improved movement in behavioral tests. The study suggests that NR and other compounds, especially in combination, may help counteract FA-related cellular and tissue damage and support further development of multi-drug therapies.

Journal

Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences