There is currently only one medication approved in Australia called Riluzole. Riluzole is prescribed for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and progressive bulbar palsy (PBP) – the most common types of MND.
Riluzole does not cure motor neurone disease but research shows it can slow the progression of MND and may increase life expectancy by as much as 19 months, so it is still the most effective drug that is currently available.
In Australia, Riluzole is made available by the government at a more affordable price for eligible people through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Eligible people must have a special kind of prescription – an “authority prescription”.
Riluzole comes in tablet and liquid form (Teglutik) and can be bought from a pharmacy with a script from a neurologist or general practitioner (GP).
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