Efficacy

Efficacy of Edaravone in Treating ALS

Edaravone, developed by Daiichi Sankyo, is a medication that has shown efficacy in the treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. The drug was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for use in patients with ALS based on a clinical trial that demonstrated its ability to slow the decline in physical function. Edaravone works as a free radical scavenger, targeting the oxidative stress believed to play a part in the neuronal death associated with ALS. The pivotal trial showed that patients receiving edaravone experienced a smaller decline in the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) score compared to those receiving a placebo.

However, it is important to note that the benefits of Edaravone may not be universal for all patients with ALS. The clinical trials primarily included patients who were in the early stages of the disease and who had a relatively preserved lung function. As such, the generalizability of these results to all ALS patient populations may be limited. Further studies are ongoing to better understand the long-term efficacy of Edaravone and its potential benefits in broader ALS patient populations.

Efficacy of Ketas (Ibudilast) in Treating ALS

Ketas, also known as ibudilast, is another medication that has been investigated for its potential efficacy in treating ALS. Ibudilast is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor and has been used in Japan for the treatment of asthma and post-stroke complications. Its anti-inflammatory properties have led to research into its use for ALS. While Ketas is not currently approved for the treatment of ALS in the United States, clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate its safety and efficacy in this patient population.

Results from these trials have been mixed, with some studies indicating a slower progression of ALS symptoms in patients treated with ibudilast compared to those on placebo, while others have not shown a significant difference. The research suggests ibudilast may have neuroprotective effects that could be beneficial in slowing the progression of ALS, but more extensive and long-term studies are necessary to fully understand its potential role in ALS treatment. As of the knowledge cutoff date, ibudilast is considered an investigational drug for ALS and is not widely used for this indication outside of clinical trials.