A fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor improved disease-related measures in ALS models
Original source
Fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibition for treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. (opens in a new tab)Compass summarised this from the study's abstract.
Study details
- Studied in
- Human, Mouse, Cells
Researchers found that levels of N-acyl taurines were associated with changes in ALS function scores and survival. In cell, patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell, and SOD1G93A mouse models, the fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor PF-04457845 reduced motor neuron degeneration. The findings point to PF-04457845 as a possible disease-modifying treatment, but it has not been shown to benefit people with ALS.
Why this matters
The work identifies the expanded endocannabinoid system, particularly N-acyl taurines, as a potential area for ALS research. The treatment findings are limited to laboratory and animal models, so they do not currently change treatment for people living with ALS.
Limitations and context
This was primary research using patient data alongside cell-based and mouse models. The source does not report a clinical trial of PF-04457845, so its safety and effectiveness in people with ALS remain unknown.