Did the drug Reeldesemtiv help people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis use their devices better?
The drug reldesemtiv was tested in a large clinical trial called COURAGE-ALS to see if it could slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). One question was whether it helped people maintain their ability to use durable medical equipment (DME) such as wheelchairs, non-invasive ventilation, gastrostomy tubes, and communication devices. The trial results showed that reldesemtiv did not affect DME use, and the study was terminated early because the drug was not working.
What the research says
A detailed analysis of the COURAGE-ALS trial specifically looked at DME use among 482 participants 4. At the start, 166 people (34.4%) were already using at least one device. Over 24 weeks, 130 out of 276 participants who completed visits started using a total of 188 new devices 4. However, treatment with reldesemtiv did not change how many devices people needed or when they started using them 4. The trial was stopped early because the drug showed no benefit on the main outcomes 4. This finding is consistent with a broader network meta-analysis of ALS treatments, which found that only a combination of cell therapy and neuroprotective agents significantly slowed decline on the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R), while most other drugs did not show clear benefit 3. Overall, current treatments for ALS remain limited, and symptom management is the main approach 9.
What to ask your doctor
- What are the current options for managing ALS symptoms and preserving function?
- Are there any ongoing clinical trials for new ALS treatments that might be relevant for me?
- How can I best work with a multidisciplinary team to address my needs for mobility, breathing, and communication devices?
- What should I know about the timing and criteria for starting durable medical equipment like wheelchairs or non-invasive ventilation?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about this topic and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.