Ammonaps (sodium phenylbutyrate) vs Relyvrio (sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol)

Ammonaps (sodium phenylbutyrate) vs Relyvrio (sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol)

Ammonaps (sodium phenylbutyrate) is primarily used as a urea cycle disorder treatment, helping to remove excess ammonia from the blood. Relyvrio, on the other hand, combines sodium phenylbutyrate with taurursodiol and is approved for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), potentially slowing disease progression. When deciding between the two, it is important to consider the specific condition being treated; Ammonaps is for urea cycle disorders, while Relyvrio is targeted toward individuals with ALS.

Difference between Ammonaps and Relyvrio

Metric Ammonaps (sodium phenylbutyrate) Relyvrio (sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol)
Generic name Sodium phenylbutyrate Sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol
Indications Urea cycle disorders Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Mechanism of action Converts to phenylacetate which conjugates with glutamine to form phenylacetylglutamine, thereby reducing ammonia levels. Sodium phenylbutyrate is converted to phenylacetate which conjugates with glutamine to form phenylacetylglutamine, reducing ammonia levels. Taurursodiol may reduce neuronal cell death.
Brand names Ammonaps, Buphenyl Relyvrio
Administrative route Oral Oral
Side effects Menstrual abnormalities, amenorrhea, decreased appetite, taste perversion, body odor Diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, dizziness
Contraindications Hypersensitivity to sodium phenylbutyrate or its ingredients Hypersensitivity to any component of the product
Drug class Urea cycle disorder agent Urea cycle disorder agent, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis agent
Manufacturer Horizon Therapeutics Amylyx Pharmaceuticals

Efficacy

Introduction to Ammonaps and Relyvrio in the Context of ALS

Ammonaps, known generically as sodium phenylbutyrate, is a medication originally approved for use in the treatment of urea cycle disorders, which are rare genetic disorders that affect the removal of ammonia from the bloodstream. Relyvrio, a combination of sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol, has been developed and approved for the treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. ALS affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to loss of muscle control. The efficacy of these medications in the context of ALS is of significant interest to patients, healthcare providers, and researchers.

Efficacy of Ammonaps in ALS

While Ammonaps has been used primarily for urea cycle disorders, its efficacy in ALS has been explored due to its potential neuroprotective properties. However, as of the knowledge cutoff date, Ammonaps alone is not specifically approved for the treatment of ALS, and there is limited data on its efficacy for this particular condition. Clinical trials and studies are necessary to establish its safety and efficacy profile for patients with ALS before it could be considered an approved treatment option.

Efficacy of Relyvrio in ALS

Relyvrio, on the other hand, has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of ALS. The combination of sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol is designed to reduce neuronal cell death and improve mitochondrial function. Clinical trials have shown that Relyvrio can slow the decline in physical function in people with ALS. The CENTAUR trial, a pivotal phase 2 study, suggested that patients receiving Relyvrio had a slower rate of decline on a clinical assessment of daily functioning compared to those receiving a placebo. This has led to the approval of Relyvrio by regulatory agencies for the treatment of ALS.

Conclusion on the Use of Ammonaps and Relyvrio for ALS

In conclusion, while Ammonaps alone is not approved for the treatment of ALS and lacks substantial evidence for its efficacy in this disease, Relyvrio has emerged as a promising treatment option. The combination of sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol in Relyvrio offers hope for individuals with ALS by potentially slowing disease progression and preserving motor function for a longer period. As with all medications, the use of Relyvrio should be guided by a healthcare professional, and patients should be informed of the benefits and risks associated with its use.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Ammonaps
  • European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
  • Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
Relyvrio
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA

Access Ammonaps or Relyvrio today

If Ammonaps or Relyvrio are not approved or available in your country (e.g. due to supply issues), you can access them via Everyone.org.

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