Exservan Now Available for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Exservan⢠(riluzole oral film) is now available for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
The approval was based on pharmacokinetic studies demonstrating bioequivalence of Exservan oral film to oral riluzole tablets. The mechanism by which riluzole exerts its therapeutic effects in ALS patients is unknown, however clinical studies have shown that it modulates glutamate neurotransmission by inhibiting both glutamate release and postsynaptic glutamate receptor signaling.
Regarding safety, the most common adverse reactions reported with treatment include oral hypoesthesia, asthenia, nausea, decreased lung function, hypertension, and abdominal pain. The use of Exservan is not recommended in patients with baseline elevations of serum aminotransferases greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal; serum aminotransferases should be measured before and during treatment.