Drug Shows New Promise for Spinal Cord Injury Recovery

Riluzole boosts outcomes when given early.

University of Toronto researchers have found that riluzole — a drug already used to treat ALS — can significantly improve recovery in patients with severe spinal cord injuries if taken within 12 hours of trauma. The findings, published in eBioMedicine, mark a significant advance in neuroprotective treatments.

By using a more comprehensive statistical method (the Global Statistical Test), the team showed that riluzole improved motor function, independence, and overall quality of life. In the study, 58% of patients who received the drug experienced better outcomes compared to those on a placebo.

“An important takeaway for clinicians and people with spinal cord injuries is that this work demonstrates that the use of riluzole within 12 hours of an acute spinal cord injury improves outcomes, and that these outcomes are meaningful.”

— Dr. Michael Fehlings

Read more →