Role of Edaravone as a Treatment Option for Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disease that leads to a loss of muscle control due to nerve cells being affected in the brain and spinal cord. Some of the common clinical presentations of ALS include weakness of muscles, changes in behavior, dysfunction in speech, and cognitive difficulties. The cause of ALS is uncertain, but through several studies, it is known that mutations in SOD1 or C9orf72 genes could play a role as a factor of ALS. In addition, studies indicate that an excessive amount of free radicals, the reactive oxygen species (ROS), leads to neuronal damage by the peroxidation of unsaturated fatty acids in the neuronal cells. Edaravone, the newly approved antioxidant drug for ALS, halts the progression of ALS in the early stages through its cytoprotective effect and protects the nerves by reducing ROS. In this review, different aspects of ALS will be discussed, including its pathology, genetic aspect, and diagnosis. This review also focuses on edaravone as a treatment option for ALS, its mechanism of action, and its pharmacological properties. Clinical trials and adverse effects of edaravone and care for ALS patient are also discussed.

Automated summary

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a deadly neurodegenerative disease that affects muscle control. Common clinical symptoms include muscle weakness, behavioral changes, speech dysfunction, and cognitive difficulties. Research suggests that mutations in genes such as SOD1 and C9orf72, as well as excessive ROS, may contribute to ALS. The newly approved antioxidant drug, edaravone, has shown potential in slowing disease progression by reducing ROS and protecting neurons.