FAQs about AstroRx

Category: AstroRx

AstroRx is an investigational therapy that is still in clinical testing and not yet approved for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The cell-based therapy is made of functional astrocytes, cells that provide support to nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord but are malfunctioning in ALS patients. By compensating for the abnormal astrocytes, AstroRx cells are expected to prevent further nerve damage, which may potentially help slow disease progression.

Category: AstroRx

It is still too early to know if or when AstroRx might be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The cell-based therapy significantly slowed disease progression over three months in an early Phase 1/2a clinical trial, but repeat dosing might be needed to sustain those therapeutic effects. Additional studies will be needed before any application for approval can be submitted.

Category: AstroRx

In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinical trials, emergent side effects after treatment with AstroRx were not deemed related to the cells themselves but rather with the injection into the spinal canal. The most common side effects included headache associated with the injection, pain at the injection site, muscle contraction, and joint, back, and leg pain. It is recommended that patients consult with their healthcare team to know which side effects could be expected after treatment with AstroRx and how to manage them.

Category: AstroRx

No studies have properly addressed the interaction between alcohol and AstroRx, so it is not known if patients receiving the cell-based therapy can safely drink alcohol. Patients should speak with their doctor if they are planning to drink while on this therapy.

Category: AstroRx

In an early Phase 1/2a clinical trial, treatment with AstroRx resulted in significant reductions in the rate of disease progression in the first three months after treatment. However, it’s not yet clear how soon a significant effect in disease progression was observed in these patients. Additional analyses will be needed to better understand when an effect may become evident.