ABSTRACT
Building upon previous research and development, drug repositioning is now used to search new treatments in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This chapter summarizes some of the most relevant mechanisms involved in ALS pathogenesis that could be pharmacologically modulated in the future. More clinical trials should be done to clarify the effect of pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments in ALS patients. Considering nonpharmacological therapy, the Dal Bello-Haas group identified two randomized controlled trials examining the effects of exercise in ALS. The inhibition of kinases involved in apoptosis and inflammation has been proposed as a novel target in ALS therapy. The identification of novel molecular targets involved in motor neuron degeneration is a necessary step to draw selective drugs useful to the development of more effective therapeutic strategies for ALS. Pharmacological modulation of Hsp expression is an attractive therapeutic strategy for ALS therapy. A current Phase II clinical trial with fasudil is in progress in ALS patients.
