lipoic acid + riluzole

Lipoic acid + riluzole is an investigational combination therapy being evaluated by the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This therapeutic approach combines the antioxidant and metabolic-supporting properties of intravenous lipoic acid (alpha-lipoic acid) with the neuroprotective effects of oral riluzole, the current standard-of-care treatment for ALS. Lipoic acid acts as a potent scavenger of reactive oxygen species and serves as an essential cofactor for mitochondrial enzyme complexes, such as the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, thereby addressing oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Riluzole functions by inhibiting glutamate release and blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, which mitigates excitotoxic damage to motor neurons. The combination is currently being studied in Phase 2 clinical trials to determine if it can provide superior efficacy in slowing disease progression compared to riluzole monotherapy.