ALSUntangled does not support N-acetylcysteine for slowing ALS progression
Original source
N-Acetylcysteine (opens in a new tab)ALSUntangled’s review says N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has not shown a benefit in slowing ALS progression or extending survival. Two clinical trials, including one randomized placebo-controlled trial, did not demonstrate efficacy. In one trial, bulbar function declined faster among participants with bulbar-onset ALS who received NAC, for unclear reasons.
Why this matters
People with ALS should not assume NAC slows disease progression or prolongs survival based on the evidence reviewed. The finding concerns NAC as a potential disease-modifying treatment and does not establish whether it may have other uses.
Limitations and context
This is an independent expert review, not a new primary research study. The source does not provide the trials’ sample sizes, full methods, or statistical results. The reported faster bulbar decline was limited to a subgroup and its cause was unclear.