ALS Untangled supports testing butyrates in people with ALS
Original source
Butyrates (opens in a new tab)ALS Untangled says butyrates have plausible mechanisms and positive preclinical findings related to slowing ALS progression. It notes that one trial of sodium phenylbutyrate combined with tauroursodeoxycholic acid suggested slower progression and longer survival, but the individual contribution of sodium phenylbutyrate is unclear. The group supports clinical trials but does not recommend a butyrate as treatment yet.
Why this matters
This supports further research for people living with ALS, but it does not establish that butyrates help patients or change treatment now. The review says butyrates appear reasonably safe for use in humans, while noting that more targeted trial evidence is needed.
Limitations and context
This is an independent expert review, not a new clinical trial. The evidence includes preclinical studies and one combination-treatment trial, so it does not show which component produced the observed effect. The review does not recommend butyrates as treatment at this stage.