Riluzole--what is its impact in our treatment and understanding of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

Abstract

Riluzole marks the beginning of pharmacotherapy for patients with ALS. Our task is to fully identify the impact of riluzole in ALS treatment. The ALS Clinical Assessment Research and Education (ALS CARE) is an ambitious database in North America created to establish the benchmarks for patient care and management. Such a program may allow us to analyze the use and impact of riluzole in the treatment of ALS. In the spring of 1997, just 1 year since the approval of riluzole, several more potential drugs for ALS are on the horizon. If a single medication is not sufficient to alter the disease course significantly, we must investigate drug combinations to determine potential additive or synergistic benefits. Although far from ideal, riluzole is allowing clinicians and researchers to lift a corner of the veil surrounding ALS to glimpse the possibility of effective treatment.