Relyvrio, a drug used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a modified version of the amino acid β-alanine, which is naturally found in the human body [1]. Research suggests that β-alanine has neuroprotective effects and can help slow down the progression of ALS by reducing the levels of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that may contribute to the degeneration of motor neurons [2].
When taken orally, Relyvrio is thought to increase the production of β-alanine in the body. This results in the accumulation of β-alanine in the cerebrospinal fluid and potentially leads to a reduction in glutamate levels, thereby reducing oxidative stress and inflammation associated with ALS [3].
Relyvrio's effectiveness in treating ALS is still being studied, but a clinical trial demonstrated that patients who took the drug experienced a slower decline in the rate of functional decline, as measured by the Revised Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) [4].
While more research is needed to fully understand Relyvrio's mechanism of action and long-term efficacy in treating ALS, initial findings indicate that it may represent a valuable treatment option for patients with this debilitating disease.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US10572991
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32943993/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8465553/
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35934129/