Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2026 May 1;29(3):343-352. doi: 10.4103/aian.aian_1101_25. Epub 2026 Jun 12.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of sodium phenylbutyrate-taurursodiol (PB-TURSO) and its components in slowing disease progression and improving survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies comparing PB-TURSO or its components to placebo or standard of care in adults with ALS were included. The primary outcomes were functional decline (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale-Revised [ALSFRS-R]) and survival. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis, and a narrative synthesis was conducted for Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid (TUDCA) monotherapy and secondary analyses from the CENTAUR trial.
RESULTS: Two RCTs (n = 801) were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis demonstrated no statistically significant difference in either ALSFRS-R decline (mean difference [MD] 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.01 to 4.02; P = 0.24; I² =71%) or survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.90, 95% CI 0.73-1.11; P = 0.31; I² = 61%). A separate trial of TUDCA monotherapy ( n = 34) demonstrated significant functional benefits. Post hoc analyses of the CENTAUR trial reported a survival benefit of 6.5-10.6 months and delayed progression to major disease milestones. Biomarker analyses suggested anti-inflammatory effects. The risk of bias was moderate to high, and the certainty of evidence was rated very low by GRADE.
CONCLUSIONS: Based on very low certainty evidence, the available RCT data do not support a definitive conclusion regarding the efficacy of PB-TURSO in ALS. Post hoc exploratory analyses suggest a potential survival benefit, which requires confirmation in adequately powered, prospectively designed trials; current results are hypothesis-generating rather than practice-defining.
PMID:42301686 | DOI:10.4103/aian.aian_1101_25
