what therapeutics are currently used to treat als in canada?
there are three drugs approved in canada: riluzole is an oral medication that helps protect the motor system from neurotoxicity and slows the disease progression by about five to 10 per cent over time, with a survival benefit of around two to three months. edaravone, in a small clinical trial, was found to slow the progression of als by about 30 per cent in the earlier stages.
the third and most recent [approved in canada in june 2022] is sodium phenylbutyrate/taurursodiol, or pb-turso. the clinical trial that supported the preliminary approval was a small study that slowed progression by about 35 per cent in patients with early stage disease. it’s important to note that none of these drugs stop disease progression, or return any lost function. patients continue to decline, but at a slower rate.
can patients access these drugs easily, and are they expensive?
these drugs are extremely expensive and, in general, patients are only eligible for coverage in the earliest disease stages. at this time, only riluzole and edaravone are covered under the provincial formularies, and private insurance coverage is variable.
can all three be combined for better effect?