How Riluzole works

Riluzole is the first treatment approved in the United States to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is available as a tablet called Rilutek. Its exact mechanism is not known, but the drug is thought to help slow the degeneration of nerve cells by blocking the release of the chemical messenger glutamate. Studies have consistently shown that riluzole can slow the progression of ALS symptoms and improve survival rates, with 72.1% receiving riluzole and the overall median survival time of patients receiving riluzole being significantly higher. Statistical analysis shows that treatment with riluzole can reduce the risk of death by more than 20%, a one-year delay in starting riluzole may reduce median survival by 1.9 months, and a two-year delay may reduce median survival by 4.9 months.