Pharmacology · Class
Neuroprotective agents for ALS !
Riluzole and edaravone, medicines that modestly slow amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. They do not cure it or restore lost strength.
Updated 2026-11-01
What they are
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) destroys upper and lower motor neurons. Riluzole, which reduces glutamate signalling, prolongs survival by a few months; edaravone, a free-radical scavenger given intravenously in cycles, slowed functional decline in early ALS in one trial. Tofersen, an antisense drug for SOD1 ALS, belongs to the same field.
Mechanism of action
Excess glutamate and oxidative stress are thought to contribute to motor neuron death. Riluzole inhibits glutamate release, blocks voltage-gated sodium channels and some glutamate receptors; edaravone mops up free radicals. The exact mechanism of benefit in ALS is unknown for both.
Target: Glutamate signalling and sodium channels (riluzole); free radicals (edaravone)
Drugs in this class
- RiluzoleThe first drug shown to prolong life in ALS, by a few months. It reduces glutamate signalling; liver tests are checked.Voltage-gated sodium channels and glutamate signalling
- EdaravoneA free-radical scavenger given in intravenous cycles (or by mouth) that modestly slowed functional decline in early…Free radicals (oxidative stress)
Others in the class
- Tofersén
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which ALS drug inhibits glutamate release and blocks sodium channels?
Riluzole.
Which laboratory test is followed during riluzole treatment?
Serum aminotransferases (liver injury); blood counts are also watched for neutropenia.
Which excipient of edaravone infusions can cause allergic reactions?
Sodium bisulfite (a sulfite).
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 14th ed., ch. 21 (McGraw Hill, 2023); DailyMed - RILUZOLE tablet (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); DailyMed - EDARAVONE injection, solution (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2025); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.