A CT angiography scan of a person with ACDC disease showing abnormal calcification of the blood vessels in the legs and feet. Credit: NHLBI / National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) has reported that etidronate, an existing drug typically used to treat bone diseases, demonstrated potential in reducing the progression of Arterial Calcification due to Deficiency of CD73 (ACDC), a rare genetic condition.

Supported by the NIH unit National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the trial was designed to assess the safety and effectiveness of etidronate in treating calcification of the arteries and impaired blood flow in the legs of ACDC patients.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

In the study, seven ACDC patients received treatment with etidronate, which was given orally for 14 days every three months over three years.

Researchers assessed calcium deposits with CT scans and tested flow of blood with the help of ankle brachial index at the beginning of the study and during yearly follow-ups.

The trial results indicated that the etidronate treatment was safe without any adverse side effects observed.

See Also:

Furthermore, the drug showed to slow the progression of fresh calcium deposits in the leg blood vessels and the blood flow inhibition.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

However, the treatment did not reverse existing calcium deposits or significantly improve blood flow.

Patients also reported symptom improvements, such as reduced pain and motion impairment.

The implications of this study are far-reaching, as the findings could help develop new treatments for ACDC and inform larger clinical trials targeting the disease.

Additionally, the research could provide insights into other conditions characterised by excessive calcium buildup in the arteries, such as peripheral artery disease and atherosclerosis, the NIH noted.

ACDC, which currently has no known treatment, predominantly affects the leg arteries, leading to painful and difficult walking.

It can also impact the hand joints, causing pain and deformities. In extreme cases, ACDC can result in limb loss.