Abstract

The results of published studies with various neuroprotectors seeking to preserve motor neuron function and improve survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients have poor evidence in humans, although there are several studies in animal models with positive results. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on drug treatment options and survival times in animal models and patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis from March, 2009 to March, 2015 was conducted. Four hundred eighty-nine (489) articles were found, and from these, we selected 30 preclinical ‘in vivo’ studies, 18 randomized controlled trials, and four systematic reviews. A meta-analysis confirmed the effectiveness of various drugs in improving the life span in preclinical trials, in particular, Resveratrol, which had a mean difference of 10.8 days (95% CI: 9.57 to 12.02), whereas no drug showed efficacy in clinical trials. The positive results of preclinical studies should be interpreted with caution because there is a mismatch between those results and the negative results in clinical trials.

Key words: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), motor neuron disease, drug, treatment.