Efficacy

Introduction to Edaravone for ALS

Edaravone, a product of Daiichi Sankyo, is a medication that has shown efficacy in the treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Edaravone works as a free radical scavenger, targeting oxidative stress which is believed to be a contributing factor in the neuronal cell damage associated with ALS. The drug was approved by the FDA in 2017 for use in ALS patients after clinical trials demonstrated its potential to slow the decline in physical function.

Clinical Trials and Efficacy of Edaravone

The approval of Edaravone was primarily based on a six-month clinical trial conducted in Japan. In this study, ALS patients treated with Edaravone experienced a smaller decline in their physical function compared to those receiving a placebo, as measured by the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R), a validated rating instrument for monitoring the progression of disability in ALS patients. However, it is important to note that the benefits of Edaravone have been shown to be more pronounced in the early stages of ALS and in patients with less severe impairment at baseline.

Introduction to Riluzole (Rilutek/Glentek) for ALS

Riluzole, marketed under the brand names Rilutek and Glentek, is another medication approved for the treatment of ALS. Riluzole's mechanism of action is not completely understood, but it is thought to reduce glutamate-related excitotoxicity, which has been implicated in the pathophysiology of ALS. Riluzole was the first drug approved by the FDA for ALS, and its efficacy has been evaluated in several clinical trials since its introduction in the 1990s.

Clinical Trials and Efficacy of Riluzole

Studies have shown that Riluzole can extend survival in ALS patients by several months and may also delay the need for tracheostomy. However, the impact on muscle strength and neurological function is modest. The most significant benefit appears to be in increased survival time, with some studies suggesting an increased median survival of 2-3 months. As with Edaravone, the effectiveness of Riluzole seems to be greater when treatment is initiated early in the disease course. Despite its limited efficacy, Riluzole remains a cornerstone in the management of ALS due to the lack of more effective treatment options.