Researchers are investigating the potential benefits of using affordable cholesterol-lowering statins to extend the lifespan of individuals with motor neurone disease (MND). Typically, those affected by this progressive neurodegenerative illness succumb within three to five years post-diagnosis.
While there is currently no cure for MND, which manifests as muscle weakness and deteriorates over time, researchers are exploring the repurposing of existing medications to potentially offer patients more time with their loved ones. A study conducted by academics, spearheaded by experts at Stanford University in the US, delved into the medical histories of US veterans diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a prevalent form of MND.
Analyzing data from 11,003 veterans between 2009 and 2019, the research team observed that individuals prescribed specific medications appeared to have extended survival rates. Notably, the study linked the use of 18 medications for various conditions, including statins for high cholesterol and alpha blockers (alpha adrenergic receptor antagonists) for improving urine flow in men with enlarged prostates, with prolonged survival.
The findings, published in the Lancet Digital Health journal, highlighted the significance of drug repurposing in identifying potential ALS treatment candidates through electronic health records, marking it as the largest study of its kind.
Lead author Professor Richard Reimer of Stanford University School of Medicine emphasized the lack of effective ALS treatments, with patients typically surviving only three to five years post-diagnosis. He noted the challenges in understanding and studying the disease comprehensively.
The study suggests that treatment with statins and alpha blockers could potentially enhance survival in ALS patients, given their widespread availability in generic forms and favorable tolerability. Further investigations will focus on unraveling the underlying reasons for these associations and determining the specific patient groups that may benefit from such treatments.
The hope is that insights gained from understanding the medication-survival link will pave the way for formal placebo-controlled trials to validate their efficacy in benefiting individuals with ALS.
