ChinaResearch and clinical trials
Oral DL-3-n-butylphthalide showed a small difference in ataxia scores in a placebo-controlled SCA3 study
A study published in a journal and reviewed by independent scientists. Even so, a single study is not conclusive; it needs to be replicated.
A one-year, placebo-controlled study in patients with SCA3 was carried out in China. The analysis included 116 patients: 56 received the drug and 60 received placebo. In those taking the drug, balance and walking scores worsened less; the difference was small. No serious side effects were seen. The authors see this as initial evidence.
What does it mean for patients and families?
This is an early result from a single center, showing a small difference. It needs to be confirmed in larger studies; treatment decisions are made with the doctor.
Source
Scientific paper: Efficacy and Safety of DL-3-n-Butylphthalide in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. Movement Disorders, 2026. DOI: 10.1002/mds.70499 · PubMed 42742595
The source page was opened and read on October 7, 2026. Summary prepared by the Doktorclub editorial team and translated from Turkish; it has not yet been reviewed by a physician (a scientific board is being set up).
This page is translated from the Turkish original.
Related disease: Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (Machado-Joseph disease)
This page reports a development; it is not a treatment recommendation. Your doctor decides whether a treatment is right for you.