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ALSSeptember 2020Summary reviewed June 2026

What the CENTAUR Trial Found — AMX0035 for ALS

Researchers tested a combination of two compounds, sodium phenylbutyrate and taurursodiol (called AMX0035), in 137 people with ALS. Over 24 weeks, people taking AMX0035 had slower decline in daily function compared to those on a dummy treatment.

What the trial was testing

The CENTAUR enrolled 137 patients with als. The study was sponsored by Amylyx Pharmaceuticals Inc. and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.

It was initial testing (phase 2). Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.

What the results showed

People on AMX0035 lost function 25% slower than those on the dummy treatment.

The New England journal of medicine · 2020 · NCT03127514

These findings — that patients on AMX0035 had 25% slower loss of daily function over six months — were published in the The New England journal of medicine and represent the headline result of the study.

Researchers tracked outcomes across 137 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.

What this means for patients

For patients with als, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.

What you can do now

AMX0035 (now marketed as Relyvrio) was FDA-approved for ALS in 2022 based on this and later studies. However, the manufacturer withdrew it from the market in 2024 after a larger follow-up study showed it did not extend survival or slow disease progression. Talk to your doctor about other approved ALS treatments like riluzole or edaravone.

Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.

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