Nitisinone (NTBC) In Different Age Groups Of Patients With Alkaptonuria

Nitisinone is a potent inhibitor of the enzyme that catalyzes the formation of homogentisic acid, and should be an even more logical treatment for alkaptonuria than for tyrosinemia, for which it has been approved by the FDA.The objective of this research is to explore reported age related differences in toxicity of nitisinone and its pharmacokinetic underpinnings and to develop an optimal therapeutic requirement for a targeted population of presymptomatic patients. The additional effect of mixtures of amino acids excluding tyrosine will be explored to take advantage of protein synthesis to avoid elevations of tyrosine that would otherwise limit the optimal dosage of nitisinone. The study is designed to treat patients and find the optimal dosage of nitisinone to obtain maximal reduction in levels of homogentisic acid and maintain safe levels of tyrosine. The long term objective in the target population of pre-symptomatic patients is the prevention of the characteristic effects on joint cartilage and tendons.