Michael Buxton is taking part in the trial involving a cough syrup ingredient. Picture: Ian Currie Source: Herald Sun
A WORLD-first trial will use a common cough syrup ingredient to boost the quality of life of up to six million people worldwide.
The Monash University trial hopes to improve memory, language and learning in people with Down syndrome, but if it's successful, it could be used to fight dementia.
The director of the Centre of Developmental Disability Health Victoria, Associate Professor Bob Davis, said preliminary overseas research found the ingredient known as BTD-001 showed promise in improving the efficiency of nerve conduction in the brain.
"This is the first human trial to see whether it is going to improve the quality of life of people with Down syndrome," he said.
Associate Prof Davis said the ingredient was commonly used from 1920-1980 as a respiratory stimulant to help take people with polio off respirators and to treat the symptoms of dementia.
The product was taken off the market in most countries when new laws demanded drug makers prove its effectiveness.
Research stalled, but it has remained an ingredient in cough medicines.
A group of US patients and their families recently funded research into the ingredient.
The Stanford University trial showed BTD-001 had strong potential to improve reasoning, memory and learning capabilities of people with Down syndrome.
"They found that nerve conduction was slower and less reliable in these people," Associate Prof Davis said.
When the drug was trialled on the nerve, they were able to prove that it improved nerve conductivity.
Down Syndrome is a genetic condition where a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21, leading to physical, developmental and intellectual disability.
Assoc Prof Davis said they hoped to recruit 90 participants, aged 13-35.
Doncaster's Michael Buxton, 30, is taking part in the trial.
Mr Buxton went to regular schools, but said it was frustrating when people sometimes struggled to understand him.
"If the medicine is successful, I hope I will be able to think and speak more clearly so people can understand what I am trying to say better," he said.
To take part in the trial call 1300 659 729 or visit: compose21.com
lucie.vandenberg@news.com.au
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