Riluzole may protect motor nerves from further deterioration by reducing glutamate levels in the brain and spinal cord by blocking its release from nerve terminals.
Although it only has modest effects on disease progression, riluzole is the only FDA-approved drug for ALS.
Neuroscience Research Australia’s Steve Vucic PhD discusses emerging combination treatment strategies including riluzole that may reduce hyperexcitability, a potential early step in the disease.
Riluzole may slow ALS and for bulbar onset, extend survival according to a controlled trial of 155 PALS.
100 mg daily is recommended for ALS patients based on results of an 18 mo. placebo-controlled trial.
The drug riluzole may benefit only a subset of patients with the disease.
Topics in the Pipeline