you will likely Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Evolving Science For a Fatal Disease Medically reviewed on Sep 21, 2017 by L. Anderson, PharmD . Previous 1 of 9 Next View as slideshow ALS: What's in a Name? Unlike breast cancer or heart disease that garner massive amounts of fund-raising through their colorful and well-supported campaigns, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is not as well-known. ALS is a devastating neurodegenerative (nerve) disease still without a cure. ALS leads to a slow degeneration of nerve cells that control muscle movements and result in loss of muscle control and eventual breathing. In 2016 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that between 14,000 and 15,000 Americans have ALS. In the past, a massive "Ice Bucket Challenge" and Hollywood movie brought attention to the disease, but as with many disease awareness campaigns, things have quieted down. So what is the current status of ALS in 2017, and what advances are on the horizon? ALS: Seven Fast Facts ALS is a fatal disease without a cure and the exact cause of ALS is not known, although genetics may play a part. ALS leads to the death of nerve cells in the brain that control voluntary movement, like swallowing, muscle movement, speech, and breathing. ALS plays no favorites - it can strike anyone, but is most common in whites, males, and people over the age of 60 At this time, it is not possible to prevent ALS. Most people with ALS maintain vision, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. However, weakness, muscle wasting, paralysis, and loss of lung function eventually occur. ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, named after a beloved American baseball legend who died of ALS complications in 1941. In 2014, the popular "Ice Bucket Challenge" raised over $100,000 million dollars for ALS research. What Causes ALS? The exact causes of ALS are not known but are under active research. In about 5% to 10% of cases it runs in families and may be hereditary. The remaining 90% to 95% of cases have no clearly defined cause; however a 2017 study suggests gene mutations may cause up to 17% of cases of ALS in patients with no family history of the disease. Contributing factors may include: Autoimmune disease : In ALS, the body attacks its own nerves. Chemical imbalance : Too much glutamate, a chemical that initiates nerve signals, may cause the motor neurons to die. Frequent chemical exposure : Exposure to chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides used in lawn care; also men who serve in the military seem to be at greater risk. Genetics : Your risk is greater if a family member has thyroid disease or an autoimmune disease. According to the CDC, the National ALS Registry and the National ALS Biorepository are currently investigating the causes and risk factors of ALS. ALS Treatments: Rilutek Most people with ALS become paralyzed and die from respiratory failure, usually within three to five years from when the symptoms first appear, so a treatment is desperately needed. At this time, only two medications are approved by the FDA for treatment of ALS. In 1995, the FDA approved the first treatment for ALS known as Rilutek (riluzole) . Dosage: The recommended dosage for Rilutek is 50 mg taken orally twice daily. Rilutek should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Rilutek blocks the nerve cell messenger glutamate, an amino acid that sends messages from your brain to your muscles. People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis may have very high levels of glutamate, which can damage these nerve cells. The most common side effects include asthenia (weakness), nausea, dizziness, decreased lung function, and stomach pain. Rilutek is not a cure for ALS, and did not improve muscle strength or neurological function, but may delay disease progression and extend survival for several months, as shown in studies . ALS Treatments: Radicava In May 2017, the first new drug for ALS in over 20 years - Radicava - was FDA-approved. Radicava ( edaravone works by relieving the effects of oxidative stress, which may be related to the death of motor neurons (nerve cells) in people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Keeping motor neurons healthy may help to preserve muscle function. Dosage: Radicava is given as a 60 milligram (mg) intravenous (IV) infusion over a 60-minute period daily for 14 days, followed by 14 days without the drug. Thereafter treatment cycles consist of treatment for 10 out of 14 days, followed by 14 days without the drug. In studies after 24 weeks, individuals receiving Radicava declined less in assessment of daily functioning compared to placebo. Common side effects reported in clinical trials were bruising and gait disturbance. Radicava may slow down the progression of ALS, but has not been shown to improve day-to-day symptoms in patients. What's On the ALS Horizon? MN-166 (ibudilast) is an investigational drug under research by MediciNova for use in ALS. Ibudilast is an oral phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) blocker that suppresses inflammatory chemicals. The study is evaluating several efficacy endpoints including functional activity (ALSFRS-R), respiratory function, muscle strength, and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) utilization in addition to monitoring the safety and tolerability of MN-166 (ibudilast) 60 mg/day versus placebo when administered in combination with riluzole in subjects with ALS. Now in Phase 2 research , Ibudilast's anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective actions have shown an effect in ALS and multiple sclerosis, substance abuse and addiction, and chronic neuropathic pain. Scientists Extend Lives of Mice With ALS Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is still a fatal disease, even though some people, such as renowned scientist Stephen Hawking have lived for decades with the disease. The life expectancy in ALS ranges from 2 to 5 years after diagnosis, although about 50 percent of patients may live longer than 3 years. Hawking himself has drastically beat the odds, now over 50 years since his diagnosis. Although research is early, scientists have discovered a single protein that can be suppressed and has extended the lives of mice with a form of ALS. The research, published in the journal Nature in 2017 found that untreated mice with a form of ALS lived no longer than 29 days. However, some of the mice with a suppressed ataxin 2 protein were alive for more than 400 days. A protein known as TDP-43 clumps and occurs in the brain of people with ALS. But cells need TDP-43 to survive, which means that that particular protein can't be completely suppressed. But ataxin 2, linked with TDP-43, isn't necessary for cell survival. Researchers speculate that argeting ataxin 2 could be a widely effective treatment approach While these findings appear promising, they need to be viewed cautiously until further research is available, as animal studies often can't be replicated in humans. Clinical Trials: An Option for You? Many ALS clinical trials are ongoing. In fact, patients can review clinical trials that are currently enrolling patients. Using a search tool provided by the ALS Association, current trials can be viewed and patients can contact their doctor for further discussion to determine if joining a trial might be a good option. FDA-approved drugs that have shown success such as fingolimod ( Gilenya ) in multiple sclerosis, or rasagiline ( Azilect ) in Parkinson's disease, are actively being research for ALS. Examples of other medications under study that are currently enrolling participants include: ibudilast, L-serine, and cannabis sativa extract. One Disease: Many Needs Ongoing awareness and education are key to treatment discoveries and a cure for ALS. That's where we all come in, whether it be ALS, pancreatic cancer, Parkinson's disease or any other disease without a cure. Pick one close to your heart, and continue your campaign individually with community fund-raising, disease awareness campaigns, and partnering with national associations such as the ALS Association . Would you like to stay up-to-date on the latest news, research and treatments for ALS? Join the Drugs.com Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Support Group. Here you can ask questions, share ideas, and express concerns, too. Finished: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Evolving Science For a Fatal Disease NEXT UP Multiple Sclerosis: What's New in MS Treatment Options? Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a nervous system disorder characterized by symptoms of visual difficulties, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Here, review MS and medications for treatment, including the most recent (and DON'T MISS Seasonal Allergies: Top Prevention Tips Here, review how to safely pick the allergy medicine that may be right for you. View all slides as one page Print this page Sources Gibson S, Downie J, Tsetsou S, et al. The evolving genetic risk for sporadic ALS. Neurology July 18, 2017;89:226-233. Accessed September 21, 2017 at http://www.neurology.org/content/89/3/226.short MediciNova Provides Update on Clinical Trial of MN-166 (ibudilast) in ALS. Drugs.com. Feb 16, 2015. Accessed September 21, 2017 at https://www.drugs.com/clinical_trials/medicinova-provides-update-clinical-trial-mn-166-ibudilast-als-16745.html National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. National Institutes of Health. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Fact Sheet. Accessed Sept. 21, 2017 at https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Amyotrophic-Lateral-Sclerosis-ALS-Fact-Sheet Science Daily. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis News. Accessed September 22, 2017 at News https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/amyotrophic_lateral_sclerosis/} FDA Consumer Updates Depression: FDA-Approved Medications May Help Dealing with ADHD: What You Need to Know Making Decisions for Your Health: Getting the Info You Need FDA: Cutting-Edge Technology Sheds Light on Antibiotic Resistance More FDA updates} } will provide you with
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