FDA approves new drug to fight ALS

WASHINGTON — A new medicine is joining the battle to help people suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the approval of edaravone, which will be sold as Radicava. It is the first new drug on the market in 22 years that aims to slow the progression of ALS.

While it is a new option for people suffering from the potentially fatal disease, Dr. Justin Kwan, assistant professor of neurology at the University of Maryland, said a study of the drug doesn’t include head to head testing against the current treatment, Riluzole.

“It’s difficult to say whether or not it is more effective than the current best treatment,” Kwan said.

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