Pharmacotherapy of ALS

Abstract

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and respiratory failure. The pathogenesis is multifactorial, involving genetic mutations, excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Current treatments like Riluzole and Edaravone offer only modest benefits, mainly extending survival by a few months. Emerging therapies, such as AMX0035 and antisense oligonucleotides, hold promise in addressing specific disease mechanisms. Multidisciplinary care, including physical therapy, respiratory support, and nutrition management, is vital for improving quality of life. Continued research is necessary to develop more effective disease-modifying treatments for ALS, where the focus should be emphasized on running successful clinical trials, that not only approaches symptom treatment, but treatment of the disease