Talampanel may protect motor nerves from further deterioration by reducing glutamate levels in the brain and spinal cord. An AMPA glutamate receptor antagonist, talampanel is thought to prevent glutamate from triggering the death of motor neurons.
Based on clinical trial results, we think talampanel is unlikely to be of benefit to people with ALS.
Talapamel appears to be reduce decline in muscle strength 15% and functional decline (ALS FRS) 30% according to a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled phase II clinical trial.
Talampanel appeared to be therapeutically beneficial in a mouse model of ALS – but only when administered before onset of the disease.
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