An organic compound of the quinone family.
It is a short-chain benzoquinone that interacts with the mitochondrial electron transport chain to enhance cellular respiration.
It is also promoted commercially as a synthetic analog of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).
Trade names Catena, Raxone, Sovrima
Bioavailability <1% (high first pass effect)
Protein binding >99%
Elimination half-life 18 hours
Excretion Urine (80%) and feces
Therapy of Alzheimer’s disease have been inconsistent, but there may be a trend for a slight benefit.
A safe treatment for Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), exhibiting a positive effect on cardiac hypertrophy and neurological function in young patients.
A study showed reduced the rate of deterioration of cardiac function, without halting the progression of ataxia.
Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) treated in a Phase III clinical trial had positive results.
Has properties similar to CoQ10 in its antioxidant properties, and has therefore been used in anti-aging on the basis of free-radical theory without clinical evidence.
Acts as a transporter in the electron transport chain of mitochondria and thus increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
It is well absorbed from the gut, and undergoes excessive first pass metabolism in the liver.
Less than 1% reaches the circulation.
This rate can be improved with special suspensions and by administering it together with fat food.
Greater than 99% of the circulating drug are bound to plasma proteins.
Its metabolites include glucuronides and sulfates, which are mainly excreted via the urine.
To achieve a dose of 900 mg per day, patients take 300 mg three times daily with meals.
Idebenone is fat soluble, and may be taken with a moderate amount of dietary fat in each meal to promote absorption.
It is recommended that patients on idebenone also take vitamin C 500 mg daily to keep idebenone in its reduced form, as it is most active in this state.