Updated Review
Published: June 10, 2024
Since our review was published we found a new trial of an antiretroviral combination called Triumeq. Here, 40 people with ALS were treated with Triumeq for 28 weeks. Progression on drug was compared to a lead in period before drug was started. ALSFRS-R progression was slowed by 21.8% on Triumeq. Levels of HERV-K retrovirus and P75ecd (a marker of neuroinflammation) were decreased during Triumeq treatment. Triumeq was generally well tolerated. No serious adverse events occurred that were felt to be related to Triumeq, but six participants experienced nausea and one experienced a rash which were felt to be related. This trial was small and was not not randomized or placebo controlled. Based on this trial, we change our Trials Grade to D, and our Risk Grade to C
Key Information
Click on any letter grade below for more info:
Mechanism Grade: D
Preclinical Trials Grade: C
Cases Grade: U
Trials Grade: D
Risks Grade: C
Published: Apr 2018
Antiretrovirals are a group of diverse drugs developed for HIV infections that vary widely in theoretical efficacy against HERVs, side effect profiles, and cost. HERV expression is apparently increased in some PALS; however, it is unknown if this is a
beneficial, neutral, or pathological process. Furthermore, it is not clear if ARV-targeted mechanisms such as cell infection and viral replication are taking place in PALS. Based on the lack of evidence for use of ARVs in PALS who test negative for HIV and HTLV, we cannot recommend them as a treatment for ALS. We look forward to the results of the two ongoing trials of ARVs in PALS.
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