top of page

返回

ALS, 肌萎縮側索硬化症, 研究, 罕見病, 藥物

Breakthrough ALS Treatment Approved in Japan: Mecoba

Japan's health ministry has approved the production and sale of mecobalamin, a new drug for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which significantly extends patient survival by over 500 days compared to existing treatments. Initially proposed for approval in 2015 by Eisai Co., the drug underwent a doctor-led clinical trial involving patients within a year of ALS onset at 25 facilities. The trial showed that mecobalamin, when administered earlier, resulted in a longer survival period than riluzole, which typically extends life by about 90 days.

The research team noted a potential synergistic effect when mecobalamin was used alongside existing treatments, raising hopes for halting disease progression. Eisai's application for government approval was re-submitted early this year, and the health ministry's expert panel recently approved it, raising hopes among ALS patients for better disease management and potential future cures.


For more information visit: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/09/24/japan/science-health/japan-new-als-drug-approve/

bottom of page