My brother was diagnosed with ALS six months ago. Are there any effective medicines or upcoming pharmaceutical treatments that can help him?
Currently, there are a few FDA-approved medications that can help manage ALS. Riluzole is an oral medication that helps extend survival. Edaravone (Radicava) is an infusion or oral drug that slows the decline in daily physical functioning. Tofersen (Qalsody) is a newer gene therapy specifically for patients with the genetic SOD1 mutation. Regarding upcoming treatments, several promising therapies targeting nerve protection and neuroinflammation are currently in clinical trials. I highly recommend discussing these standard treatments and potential clinical trial enrollment with his neurologist to find the best plan for him.