This treatment is a phosphodiesterase-10A inhibitor. It is currently being tested in trials. In its Phase 2a study, gemlapodect met its goal of reducing tic severity, with no safety concerns and only mild adverse events reported. A Phase 2b trial was then initiated in a more diverse population of those with Tourette syndrome. While the drug seems effective, there are ongoing trials to test its efficacy and comparative effectiveness.

Appalachian State University

Individualized care is the most important treatment plan for patients with tic disorders. Other methods used include Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), medications, and interventions. Medications used are alpha-2 agonists and antipsychotics. Interventions may include Botox or deep-brain stimulation (DBS) techniques.

Treatments rarely eliminate all tics, but work to lessen their severity.

Treatment for Tic Disorders

Gilbert, D. L., Murphy, T. K., Jankovic, J., Budman, C. L., Black, K. J., Kurlan, R. M., Coffman, K. A., McCracken, J. T., Juncos, J., Grant, J. E., & Chipkin, R. E. (2018). Ecopipam, a D1 receptor antagonist, for treatment of tourette syndrome in children: A randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study. Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society, 33(8), 1272–1280. https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.27457 

References for New Drug Treatments for Tic Disorders

Findings associated with the drug, Ecopipam, found that it decreased the severity of tics. This drug is a dopamine blocker, specifically, it blocks dopamine-1 receptors. Studies have found that, compared to a placebo, both motor and vocal tic measures were reduced. Another key finding was the lack of side effects, metabolic or antipsychotic, as is seen in other medications. However, studies are continuing with larger sample sizes to reinforce the potential role of the drug in treating tic disorders.

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