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Review
. 2024 Sep 27;12(10):2200.
doi: 10.3390/biomedicines12102200.

Advancements in Pharmacological Interventions and Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

María Montiel-Troya  1 , Himan Mohamed-Mohamed  2 , Teresa Pardo-Moreno  1 , Ana González-Díaz  1 , Azahara Ruger-Navarrete  1 , Mario de la Mata Fernández  2 , María Isabel Tovar-Gálvez  3 , Juan José Ramos-Rodríguez  2 , Victoria García-Morales  4
Affiliations
Review

Advancements in Pharmacological Interventions and Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

María Montiel-Troya et al. Biomedicines. .

Abstract

(1) Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease in which the patient suffers from an affection of both upper and lower motor neurons at the spinal and brainstem level, causing a progressive paralysis that leads to the patient's demise. Gender is also considered a predisposing risk factor for developing the disease. A brief review of the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease is also described in this work. Despite the fact that a cure for ALS is currently unknown, there exists a variety of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies that can help reduce the progression of the disease over a certain period of time and alleviate symptoms. (2) We aim to analyze these pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies through a systematic review. A comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treatment is necessary. (3) Drugs such as riluzole, edaravone, and sodium phenylbutyrate, among others, have been investigated. Additionally, it is important to stay updated on research on new drugs, such as masitinib, from which very good results have been obtained. (4) Therapies aimed at psychological support, speech and language, and physical therapy for the patient are also available, which increase the quality of life of the patients.

Keywords: ALS; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; motor neuron dysfunction; multidisciplinary treatment; neurodegenerative disorder; pharmacological interventions.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic representation of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying ALS.
Figure 2
Figure 2
PRISMA flowchart.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Treatments for ALS.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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