Thalidomide causes sinus bradycardia in ALS

Objective: Neuroinflammation contributes to motor neuron degeneration in ALS. Thalidomide (THL) shows potent anti-inflammatory properties and increased the life span in ALS transgenic mice. Therefore, thalidomide was suggested as therapeutic intervention for the treatment of ALS. We conducted a pilot, randomized trial of THL in patients with ALS to assess safety, feasibility, and preliminary estimates of treatment efficacy. Methods: Patients were randomized to THL in combination with riluzole (n=18) or riluzole alone (n=19). THL was initiated at 100mg for 6 weeks. Thereafter, the dose was increased every week by…