Clinical Trial Drugs

Riluzole is the first FDA approved drug for the treatment of ALS. Riluzole does not cure ALS or improve symptoms, but may extend the survival of patients by a few months. Riluzole appears to be more effective in patients with bulbar-onset than for those with limb-onset. Riluzole is believed to modulate the release of glutamate. Glutamate neuronal damage is one of several theories that have been proposed as a cause of ALS.

Please see:

Creatine supplementation and riluzole treatment provide similar beneficial effects in copper, zinc superoxide dismutase (G93A) transgenic mice. Snow RJ, Turnbull J, da Silva S, Jiang F, Tarnopolsky MA. Neuroscience. 661-7

Riluzole prolongs survival and delays muscle strength deterioration in mice with progressive motor neuronopathy (pmn). 55-61

Adverse efects of riluzole (Rilutek) in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. 303-12

Celebrex is an FDA-approved drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and pain. The active ingredient Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDS).

Creatine is a dietary supplement that is promoted for its ability to enhance muscle strength and physical endurance. This claim is not endorsed by the FDA. This dietary supplement is similar to the natural compound creatine phosphate, which is an essential component of the energy-building system in muscle cells. It is found naturally in meats and fish.

A study with ALS mice found that the mice had significant improvements in their survival with creatine. ALS patients under the care of their doctor are taking 5-10 grams/day. Creatine is available over the counter at any store that carries dietary supplements.

Please see:

Creatine supplementation and riluzole treatment provide similar beneficial effects in copper, zinc superoxide dismutase (G93A) transgenic mice. Snow RJ, Turnbull J, da Silva S, Jiang F, Tarnopolsky MA. Neuroscience. 661-7

Neuroprotective effects of creatine in a transgenic animal model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. 347-50

Note: A new study, conducted in the Netherlands and published online in March 2003 by The Archives of Neurology, found that creatine provided no significant benefit in humans with ALS, even though earlier studies showed promising results in mouse models.

Co-enzyme Q10 is a non-prescription dietary supplement that is involved in a variety of cellular processes. It has been noted to have antioxidant properties, such as free-radical scavenging. CoQ10 is indicated for heart failure and mitochondrial cytopathies.

Researchers in a Massachusetts General Hospital study found that CoQ10 extended the survival in a mouse model of ALS. They also demonstrated positive findings in Parkinson’s and Huntington’s Disease. It is thought that CoQ10 may be useful for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

There have not been studies to suggest a recommended dosage for people with neurodegenerative diseases. Patients, while under the care of their physician, appear to be taking 100mg three times per day. CoQ10 is fat-soluble and should be taken with a fatty meal. It is available over the counter at any store selling dietary supplements.

Please see:

Coenzyme Q10 administration and its potential for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. 261-6

Coenzyme Q10 administration increases brain mitochondrial concentrations and exerts neuroprotective 8892-7.

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a non-prescriptive dietary supplement. It is a powerful antioxidant and is used to treat individuals with liver disease and Amanita mushroom poisoning.

A Massachusetts General Hospital study done on mouse models of ALS showed a significant improvement in mouse survival when ALA was administered in their diet. ALA has a very short half-life (the time it takes for the drug to decay by one half) and it is not known if the drug levels are maintained in humans to produce the same effect.

ALS patients under the care of their physician are taking 200-300mg twice per day. Alpha lipoic acid is available over the counter at any store selling dietary supplements.

Please see:

Effects of an Inhibitor of Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase, Desmethylselegiline, Trientine, and Lipoic 419-24

Antioxidants and herbal extracts protect HT-4 neuronal cells against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity. Kobayashi MS. et al. Free Radic 115-24.

Thiol oxidation and loss of mitochondrial complex I precede excitatory amino acid-mediated neurodegeneration.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in many foods. It is a powerful vitamin and antioxidant that detoxifyies free radicals. It helps protect the cells of the body from damaging chemical reactions and it is important for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles.

Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, meat, eggs, certain types of fish, wheat germ, cereal grains, fruits, green vegetables .

Some ALS studies have found that dietary supplementation with vitamin E delays onset of clinical disease and slows progression in the transgenic model. It does not prolong survival.

For average dose for ALS patients under the care of their physician is 1200-2000 IU/day. Vitamin E is available over the counter at any store that sales vitamins.