Potential of Riluzole in Improving Outcomes for Spinal Cord Injury Patients
New research indicates that riluzole, a drug used for motor neuron diseases, may significantly improve recovery outcomes when administered early after spinal cord injury, offering new hope for patients and clinicians alike.
Recent research from the University of Toronto's Temerty Faculty of Medicine suggests that riluzole, a drug traditionally used to treat motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), may also play a significant role in aiding recovery from spinal cord injuries. The study, published in eBioMedicine, highlights that when riluzole is administered within 12 hours of injury, it can enhance neurological recovery and improve overall patient outcomes.
The investigation was based on data from the 2023 RISCIS trial, involving 131 patients who suffered spinal cord injuries. Participants were divided into two groups: one received riluzole for 14 days starting approximately 12 hours post-injury, while the others received a placebo. Follow-up assessments conducted six months later revealed that patients who received riluzole experienced a 58% higher chance of better outcomes, including greater motor recovery, increased independence, and improved quality of life.
Experts emphasize that riluzole's safety profile and low side effects make it a promising treatment option for clinicians to consider in acute spinal cord injury management. The study also introduced a novel statistical approach, the Global Statistical Test (GST), which provided a comprehensive analysis of the drug's effects across multiple recovery dimensions, offering a more complete understanding of treatment efficacy.
Lead researcher Michael Fehlings highlighted the importance of these findings for future clinical trials and patient care. The results support the idea that early intervention with riluzole can lead to meaningful improvements in neurological function, which can significantly impact patients’ daily lives. As the drug is affordable and well-tolerated, it holds potential to become a standard part of emergency treatment for spinal cord injuries.
The study’s insights could influence how future therapies are evaluated and how recovery success is measured, emphasizing a multidimensional approach aligned with the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. This research marks a promising step forward in neuroprotective strategies for spinal cord injury, offering hope for enhanced patient outcomes in the future.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-drug-motor-neuron-diseases-spinal.html
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