riluzole

Riluzole is a small molecule drug used for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. It is not a cure but has been shown to modestly prolong survival and delay the need for ventilator support in ALS patients. Riluzole acts primarily as an antiglutamatergic agent; its mechanism involves inhibition of glutamate release, blockade of voltage-gated sodium channels (particularly TTX-sensitive sodium channels), and possible modulation of other neurotransmitter systems. The drug may also inhibit kainate and NMDA receptors and enhance GABAergic activity through allosteric potentiation of GABA_A receptors, though its precise mechanisms remain under investigation. Riluzole was originally developed by Sanofi[3][8].

Brand names

RilutekTiglutikExservan

Other names

riluzole orodispersible filmriluzole oral filmROF