Medications for Treating ALS
Researchers around the world are urgently working to find and develop promising new treatments to help make ALS livable until we can cure it. Currently, there are four ALS drugs that may be prescribed to people living with the disease:
- Qalsody® (tofersen)
- Radicava® (edaravone)
- Riluzole (Rilutek, Tiglutik®, and Exservan™ )
- Nuedexta® (dextromethorphan HBr and quinidine sulfate)
Because ALS and its symptoms are different for every person, the medication(s) a doctor prescribes can vary greatly. Let your doctor know what symptoms you are experiencing so they can make the best treatment recommendations for you. This may include a discussion about participating in clinical trials.
In addition to medications, there are several other types of therapies that may be recommended to help relieve and manage ALS symptoms, including physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapies. Learn more about these therapies.
Qalsody
Also Known As: Tofersen, BIIB067
Delivery Method: Intrathecal injection (lumbar puncture)
Qalsody is a genetically targeted therapy approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2023 to treat ALS associated with a mutation in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene. SOD1 mutations cause nerve cells to produce abnormal SOD1 proteins that are toxic, eventually causing the cells to die. Qalsody specifically targets RNA produced from mutated SOD1 genes to block toxic SOD1 proteins from being made, helping improve ALS symptoms and slow down progression of the disease. Because Qalsody is so specifically targeted, it is not likely to help people who do not have a SOD1 mutation.
Prescribing information for health care providers ->
Find a Qalsody treatment center ->
Radicava
Also Known As: Edaravone
Delivery Method: IV or oral suspension (can be administered by mouth or via feeding tube)
The FDA approved Radicava as an IV treatment for ALS in 2017 followed by an oral suspension in 2022. Radicava is intended to slow the loss of physical function and the progression of ALS by preventing nerve damage. Scientists believe it does this by capturing unstable molecules that damage cells. These unstable molecules, called reactive oxygen species, form when cells consume energy. It is thought that the abnormal buildup of these molecules contributes to the neurodegeneration seen in ALS.
Prescribing information for health care providers ->
Riluzole
Also Known As: Exservan, Rilutek, Tiglutik
Delivery Method: Tablet, thickened liquid (Tiglutik), or oral film (Exservan)
Rilutek (now generic) was the first FDA-approved drug to treat ALS. It is taken as a tablet. A thickened liquid form of riluzole called Tiglutik was approved by the FDA in September 2018, followed a year later by an oral film formulation called Exservan. Riluzole is intended to slow the progression of ALS by blocking the release of glutamate. Too much glutamate is thought to injure nerve cells.
More information (Exservan) ->
Prescribing information for health care providers (Exservan) ->
More information (Tiglutik) ->
Prescribing information for health care providers (Tiglutik) ->
Nuedexta
Also Known As: Dextromethorphan HBr and Quinidine Sulfate
Delivery Method: Capsule
Nuedexta is prescribed to help treat pseudobulbar affect, which can cause frequent, involuntary, and unpredictable episodes of crying or laughing that are exaggerated or don’t match how the person truly feels. Recent evidence suggests Nuedexta may also help improve bulbar function in people living with ALS whether they experience pseudobulbar affect or not.
