ALS Drug Management

Overview of ALS Drugs

• ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a progressive neurological disease that affects nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement.
• Currently, there is no cure for ALS, but medications can help manage its symptoms and slow down its progression.

Approved ALS Drugs

• Riluzole (Rilutek): The first FDA-approved drug for ALS, it slows down disease progression by reducing glutamate release.
  • Dose: 50 mg twice daily
  • Side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and elevated liver enzymes
• Edaravone (Radicava): An antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress and inflammation.
  • Dose: 60 mg administered intravenously over 60 minutes, 14 times over 14 days, then 14 days off
  • Side effects: bruising, gait disturbance, and musculoskeletal pain

Investigational ALS Drugs

• Sodium phenylbutyrate: A glutamate inhibitor that may slow down disease progression.
  • Currently in Phase II clinical trials
• Tirasemtiv: A fast skeletal muscle troponin activator that may improve muscle function.
  • Currently in Phase II clinical trials
• Masitinib: A tyrosine kinase inhibitor that may reduce inflammation and slow down disease progression.
  • Currently in Phase III clinical trials

Emerging ALS Therapies

• Stem cell therapy: May help replace or repair damaged motor neurons.
  • Currently in early stages of research and development
• Gene therapy: May help correct genetic mutations associated with ALS.
  • Currently in early stages of research and development

Important Considerations

• ALS drugs may interact with other medications, so patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications they are taking.
• Patients should closely monitor their symptoms and adjust their medication regimen as needed.
• A comprehensive treatment plan should include a combination of medications, physical therapy, and emotional support.

ALS Overview

• ALS is a progressive neurological disease affecting nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement.
• There is no cure for ALS, but medications can help manage its symptoms and slow down its progression.

Approved ALS Drugs

• Riluzole (Rilutek)
  • First FDA-approved drug for ALS
  • Slows down disease progression by reducing glutamate release
  • Dose: 50 mg twice daily
  • Side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and elevated liver enzymes
• Edaravone (Radicava)
  • Antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress and inflammation
  • Dose: 60 mg administered intravenously over 60 minutes, 14 times over 14 days, then 14 days off
  • Side effects: bruising, gait disturbance, and musculoskeletal pain

Investigational ALS Drugs

• Sodium phenylbutyrate
  • Glutamate inhibitor that may slow down disease progression
  • Currently in Phase II clinical trials
• Tirasemtiv
  • Fast skeletal muscle troponin activator that may improve muscle function
  • Currently in Phase II clinical trials
• Masitinib
  • Tyrosine kinase inhibitor that may reduce inflammation and slow down disease progression
  • Currently in Phase III clinical trials

Emerging ALS Therapies

• Stem cell therapy
  • May help replace or repair damaged motor neurons
  • Currently in early stages of research and development
• Gene therapy
  • May help correct genetic mutations associated with ALS
  • Currently in early stages of research and development

Important Considerations

• ALS drugs may interact with other medications, so patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications they are taking.
• Patients should closely monitor their symptoms and adjust their medication regimen as needed.
• A comprehensive treatment plan should include a combination of medications, physical therapy, and emotional support.