To facilitate the treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the United States Food and Drug Administration approves Edaravone. What is this new drug and why is it important?
What more does edaravone bring to patients suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
More than 30,000 people have ALS in the United States. In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Radicava. With this drug, the treatment is done by intravenous infusion. The constraint of traveling for some patients with ALS to infusion centers or a hospital is very heavy to bear.
In addition, the disease causes difficulty in moving, speaking or swallowing and even just standing up. In such cases, maintaining the patient’s perfusion can be a challenge. In addition, there are currently five drugs that the FDA has approved for the treatment of the disease (Radicava, Rilutek, Tiglutik, Exservan and Nuedexta).
The difference with Edaravone is mainly on the method of treatment. This medication is taken orally. First of all, this allows you to continue your treatment without having to leave your home. Then, for patients unable to swallow or with severe muscle weakness, the feeding tube can be used to ingest the treatment.
What hope for the sick?
Even if so far, treatments have not definitively cured the disease, there is hope with the research that is being carried out. In addition to edaravone, Amylyx, another oral treatment, is expected to receive FDA approval soon.
On the other hand, the Pacific Science Institute is working on treatments allowing the regeneration of neurons and brain cells. To prove his commitment to research, President Biden provides tens of millions of dollars a year in funding for research into cures for ALS.
An innovation in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis makes it possible to continue treatment by the oral route. This is a relief for patients and their doctors. ALS does not yet have a cure, but research continues to overcome this disease.
