Ketamine

[BobFOwen]

The FDA (USA) has designated Ketamine as Orphan Drug. This is validation for the drug as a potential treatment for MND/ALS. PharmaTher has plans to initiate Phase 2 clinical trials, but is only in the stage of protocol discussions with clinicians.
Do we have any Vets in our forum?

[matthew55]

Isn't that a horse tranquilliser?

[Ellie]

Well, at least we'd die happy 😂😂😂😘

[Ellie]

Isn't that a horse tranquilliser?

It's used on humans too. Paramedics gave it to my daughter when she dislocated her wrist, short acting but good pain relief, which also had her talking gibberish 🥴😍

[LindaB]

🐎

[Ellie]

Kind of similar to Riluzole, Ketamine can interfere with glutamate. This is the blurb for Ketamine and ALS:

"Preclinical research reportedly found the compound can safely preserve muscle function and extend survival in animal models of ALS, when given in the early stages of muscle loss.

In ALS patients, elevated levels of glutamate — a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger — in the brain and spinal cord cause an overwhelming activation of nerve cells that is toxic and damaging. This occurs partially via glutamate binding to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which overload these neurons with calcium.

Ketamine indirectly blocks these receptors to potentially inhibit glutamate toxicity. It also lowers the levels of cellular D-serine and partially activates dopamine receptors. Elevated D-serine and low dopamine levels are both associated with ALS.

Together, these mechanisms may contribute to ketamine being neuroprotective, which could shield the motor neurons that are damaged over the course of ALS."

[BobFOwen]

If it has been used on humans in the UK then could it be classified under whatever Riluzole is classified under?

[Ellie]

If it has been used on humans in the UK then could it be classified under whatever Riluzole is classified under?

Because that would take common sense, Bob.... 😏

[JAC]

it certainly has been used on humans in the UK in very, uh, non-clinical settings.........

[Ellie]

Fess up JAC 🤣🤣🤣😘

[JAC]

solely a friend of a friend of a friend....

[MDW888]

Hi. Any further news on this drug.

[Arcadian]

it certainly has been used on humans in the UK in very, uh, non-clinical settings.........

Ha, I always had a job, homelife and hobbies where policies and risk made such non-prescription indulgences a no-go area and very unattractive. Now doubting my steady, sensible and sober outlook over all these years to the odd late nights of pounding alternative scene music.