In a search for efficient treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Old drugs for new approaches

Recent progress in understanding the pathological changes in the nervous system and in certain other body systems (e.g., immune system) that lead to the development and progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) revealed a number of molecular and cellular processes that can potentially be used as therapeutic targets. Many of these processes are compromised not only in ALS but also in other diseases and a repertoire of drugs able to restore, at least partially, their functionality has been developed. In this review, we briefly describe current approaches to the repurposing of such old drugs for treatment of patients with ALS.

Automated summary

Recent progress in understanding pathological changes in the nervous system and other body systems, such as the immune system, has revealed potential therapeutic targets for the development and progression of ALS. Many drugs have been developed to restore functionality compromised in ALS and other diseases. Current research is focused on repurposing these old drugs for the treatment of ALS patients.