Understanding Riluzole: What Does Riluzole Do to the Body?
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5 min read
In 1995, Riluzole (marketed as Rilutek) became the first FDA-approved medication for the treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The medication works primarily by inhibiting the activity of glutamate, a major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. By interfering with glutamatergic signaling, the drug helps to reduce the neurotoxicity believed to contribute to the progressive nerve cell damage seen in ALS.