Disruptive Nutrition: Exploring Ketone Esters as a Treatment for Angelman Syndrome

Quick Overview

Disruptive Nutrition, a food company, has developed a dietary supplement containing ketones as a potential treatment for Angelman Syndrome. The supplement is based on the ketogenic diet, which has been used for epilepsy treatment for almost 100 years. The supplement aims to target the body’s metabolism and provide an alternative energy source to carbohydrates. The company is also working on a ketone ester, a more potent form of the supplement. They are seeking feedback from families to tailor the product to their needs and are planning to conduct clinical studies to assess its effectiveness. The supplement will be launched next year as a dietary supplement and does not require the same level of clinical studies and regulatory oversight as drugs. The company is also developing a meal replacement product to help with compliance on the diet.

Introduction

At the 2016 FAST Science Summit, Donna Herber, Chief Science Officer of Disruptive Nutrition, and Dr. Edwin Weeber presented their research on using ketone esters as a treatment for Angelman Syndrome. They discussed the potential benefits of ketones in supporting brain and body metabolism and shared their findings from recent studies. This talk provides an overview of their presentation and highlights the importance of tailoring nutrition products for individuals with Angelman Syndrome.

The Ketogenic Diet and Ketone Esters

The ketogenic diet, which is high in fats and low in carbohydrates, has been used for almost 100 years to treat epilepsy. It has shown success in reducing seizures and improving overall health in some individuals with Angelman Syndrome. Ketones, which are naturally occurring metabolites of fat, are the primary fuel source for the brain and muscles on a ketogenic diet.

Ketone esters, a type of ketone booster, have been studied for their potential therapeutic effects in Angelman Syndrome. These esters can increase the levels of ketones in the body and provide an alternative energy source to carbohydrates. The researchers discussed the different types of ketone boosters they are exploring and their potential benefits.

Research Findings

Dr. Weeber presented the findings from their most recent publication, which focused on the effects of ketone esters in a mouse model of Angelman Syndrome. The study showed that ketone esters improved synaptic function, increased muscle function, and enhanced learning and memory in the mice. The researchers also observed a reduction in seizure propensity with the use of ketone esters.

Dietary Supplements vs. Medical Foods

Donna Herber emphasized that Disruptive Nutrition is a food company, not a drug company. They aim to develop high-quality nutrition products, including dietary supplements and medical foods, to support the health and wellness of individuals with Angelman Syndrome. She explained the differences between dietary supplements, medical foods, and drugs in terms of safety, oversight, and clinical studies.

While medical foods require physician oversight and clinical studies to make specific claims, dietary supplements do not have treatment claims and do not need the same level of clinical burden. Disruptive Nutrition is currently working on a dietary supplement containing beta-hydroxybutyrate, a naturally occurring ketone, which will be launched in the near future. They are also developing a meal replacement product to help with compliance on the diet.

Tailoring Nutrition for Individuals with Angelman Syndrome

The researchers expressed the importance of tailoring nutrition products for individuals with Angelman Syndrome. They highlighted the need for feedback from families to understand how to make the products suitable for their specific needs. They also discussed the challenges of maintaining a steady macronutrient profile and the potential benefits of ketone supplementation before, during, or after sugar influxes.

Donna Herber emphasized that they are committed to conducting studies to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of their products. They will work closely with Dr. Weeber to design studies that address the concerns and desired outcomes of families. The goal is to provide products that can be easily incorporated into the diet and improve the overall health and well-being of individuals with Angelman Syndrome.

Conclusion

Disruptive Nutrition’s research on ketone esters as a treatment for Angelman Syndrome shows promising results in improving synaptic function, muscle function, and learning and memory. Their focus on developing nutrition products tailored for individuals with Angelman Syndrome aims to provide alternative treatment options that do not require the same level of clinical burden as drugs. By working closely with families and conducting studies, they hope to bring effective and safe products to the market that can support the health and well-being of individuals with Angelman Syndrome.