A to Z of MS Riluzole

Riluzole (Rilutek) is a glutamate receptor blocker used in the treatment of ALS, a form of motor neurone disease.

Glutamate receptor blockers are aimed at controlling one of the chemicals involved in transmitting messages from nerve cell to nerve cell. Excessive glutamate can lead to the loss of nerve fibres and research is looking at the effects of trying to control this as a way of protecting nerves in people with multiple sclerosis.

A small study involving 16 people with primary progressive MS investigated if the drug would have a neuroprotective effect. The results did not show any definite effect. There was a trend for a reduction in MRI changes but not in clinical measures of disability.

A further study is currently investigating the potential nerve-protecting effects of riluzole in people with clinically isolated syndrome or early MS when combined with interferon beta 1a.

Reference

Killestein J, et al.
Glutamate inhibition in MS: the neuroprotective properties of riluzole.
Journal of Neurological Science 2005;233(1-2):113-115.
abstract

Neuroprotection with riluzole patients with early multiple sclerosis.
Study listed on clinicaltrials.gov

Return to index