Idebenone is an analogue of ubiquinone used for the treatment of visual impairment in adolescent and adult patients with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON). Idebenone is a synthetic analogue of ubiquinone (also known as Coenzyme Q10), a vital cell antioxidant and essential component of the Electron Transport Chain (ETC).
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 2 references
Idebenone is a synthetic analogue of ubiquinone (also known as Coenzyme Q10), a vital cell antioxidant and essential component of the Electron Transport Chain (ETC). It has been proposed that by interacting with the ETC, idebenone increases ATP production required for mitochondrial function, reduces free radicals, inhibits lipid peroxidation, and consequently protects the lipid membrane and mitochondria from oxidative damage. More specifically, idebenone is thought to transfer electrons directly to complex III of the mitochondrial ETC, thereby circumventing complex I and restoring cellular energy (ATP) generation.
- Primary indication
- Idebenone is indicated for use by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of visual impairment in adolescent and adult patients with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON).Curator reviewed · 3 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C19H30O5 · 338.444 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2008 · European Union, 2016
- Code names
- BRN-2001459 · CV-2619
- Brand names
Resolves to
JGPMMRGNQUBGND-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCOC1=C(OC)C(=O)C(CCCCCCCCCCO)=C(C)C1=OWhat you can answer from here — as of July 03, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Idebenone, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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