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. 2025 Apr-Jun;15(2-3):77-87.
doi: 10.1080/17582024.2025.2488235. Epub 2025 Apr 4.

Real-world evidence of riluzole on survival and ALSFRS change in a Chinese ALS cohort

JingSi Jiang  1 , XiaoGang Li  2 , YuXin Mi  3 , YiYing Wang  1 , YanXi Heng  1 , ZhiWen Li  4 , Min Deng  1
Affiliations

Real-world evidence of riluzole on survival and ALSFRS change in a Chinese ALS cohort

JingSi Jiang et al. Neurodegener Dis Manag. 2025 Apr-Jun.

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of riluzole on survival and changes in ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS) among Chinese patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Patients & methods: Propensity score matching was used to balance baseline variables between the riluzole group (n = 238) and control group (n = 454). Survival was analyzed using Kaplan - Meier curves and Cox regression, while multivariable linear regression assessed ALSFRS changes at 6 and 12 months. Subgroup analyses were conducted to identify potential responders.

Results: Riluzole did not significantly improve survival (p = 0.478) or ALSFRS changes at 6 months (p = 0.380) or 12 months (p = 0.175). Subgroup analyses revealed no survival benefit in any subgroup, and further stratification showed inconsistent adverse effects on ALSFRS scores.

Conclusions: Riluzole neither prolonged survival nor slowed functional decline in Chinese ALS patients, with no subgroup demonstrating a better response.

Keywords: Riluzole; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis*/drug therapy; real-world; survival.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

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