Emerging Therapies to Slow Symptom Course in ALS patients

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neuromuscular disorder, devastating in nature. Most patients diagnosed with this disease die within 2 to 5 years. This is because it is very difficult to diagnose ALS early since this condition can significantly mimic other neurological diseases. 

The etiology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is unknown which is why there is no cure now. However, there are a few regimens and therapies approved to treat and manage its symptoms. Treatment doesn’t have the potential to reverse the damage caused by this disease, but it can slow the progression of its symptoms and prevent complications in your living. 

Riluzole delays ventilator-dependence

Riluzole is an oral-use tablet used to treat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease by significantly delaying the onset of ventilator dependence or tracheostomy. It is an established drug showing a clinically relevant increase in life expectancy by three to six months. 

Riluzole was approved by the Food and Drug Administration, USA, in the year 1995 on December 12. It provides modest benefits in mortality and function to ALS patients. 

Edaravone helps with recovery after a stroke 

Edaravone is an intravenous drug prescribed for the treatment of patients diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease. It is known to be an antioxidant whose mechanism is still unknown. 

On the basis of a small randomized controlled clinical trial with people suffering from early-stage Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Edaravone demonstrated greater recovery from stroke. It was later approved by the Food and Drug Administration, USA, in the year 2017 for patients with ALS.

An Investigational Neuroprotective Therapy reduces the death risk in ALS

AMX0035 is a co-formulation of two compounds, sodium phenylbutyrate (PB) and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). It is an investigational therapy that works by minimizing cellular mechanisms associated with cell death in patients diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. 

The survival increase by the administration of AMX0035 was evident in the trials regardless of baseline therapy including the use of riluzole or edaravone (either alone or in combination). With such reliable results, AMX0035 may provide patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis hope and the chance to live longer without severe symptoms. 

Other Available Therapies

Besides the ***** and formal prescription-based treatments, other therapies are available and are often recommended by the physician to improve the life of patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. 

• Breathing Care
  As your muscles start to weaken over a period, you may face breathing problems. Your doctor may also perform breathing tests regularly and provide relevant devices for relief in breathing at night. 
• Physical Therapy
  To help you in staying independent, a physical therapist can address your equipment needs. Your doctor may recommend some low-impact exercises to you. For example, appropriate stretching can help in preventing pain and improve muscle function. 
• Nutritional Support
  Your healthcare team will assist you and your family members to maintain a well-balanced diet with foods that help in strengthening your muscle function. Some patients might require a feeding tube too.

A number of clinical studies and research are occurring to achieve promising medications for the treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and its ultimate cure. Since there are not many options to treat ALS, every approval leads the world towards significant hope. Till the potential future treatments secure a place in the clinical solutions, scientists will work for better outcomes. 

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