Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment market is projected to grow from USD 724.5 million in 2024 to USD 1,234.5 million by 2033, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by significant advancements in diagnostic technologies, the development of innovative gene-targeted therapies, improved treatment options, and growing awareness of the disease’s early symptoms.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rare and progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, leading to a loss of voluntary muscle control. Early symptoms, such as muscle weakness and stiffness are often subtle and difficult to recognize. As the disease advances, it results in severe muscle paralysis a respiratory failure, typically within 3 to 5 years of symptom onset. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has a lifetime risk of about 1 in 350, its low prevalence is due to the reduced life expectancy of those affected. 

Epidemiology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

1) Incidence and Prevalence: ALS Incidence and Prevalence Growth in the United States

According to the ALS Association in 2020, the incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was approximately 2 new cases per 100,000 people each year. While prevalence rates vary, the National ALS Registry estimated that in 2022 there were 32,893 people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the U.S., corresponding to a prevalence of 9.9 cases per 100,000 persons. This number is projected to increase gradually, reaching approximately 36,308 cases or a prevalence of 10.5 per 100,000 persons by 2030. This is an incremental prevalence increase of about 0.1 cases per 100,000 persons per year.

2) Age Distribution: Peak Rates Among Individuals Aged 60 – 79 years

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) most commonly develops between the ages of 40 and 70 years, with the average age at diagnosis ranging from 55 to 65 years. The incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) increases with age, reaching its highest rates between 60 and 79 years. While rare, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can occur in younger individuals; cases in people under 25 years are classified as juvenile ALS and are extremely uncommon. In 2022, a review paper showed among adults aged 18 to 39, the prevalence is still low at approximately 0.6 cases per 100,000 population.

3) Gender Distribution: 

ALS is More Prevalent in Men, Especially Before Age 65

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is seen to be about 20% more common in men than in women, with the gender difference more pronounced before the age of 65 and diminishing after age 70. A comprehensive review published in 2024, analysing data from 5,943 adult amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients diagnosed between 1980 and 2021, reported that 54.6% of patients were male, and the average age at diagnosis was 65 years.

4) Ethnic and Racial Distribution: 

ALS Prevalence Higher Among White Non-Hispanic Populations

In the U.S., amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is more prevalent among white non-Hispanics compared to African Americans and individuals of other racial or ethnic backgrounds.

5) Subtypes Distribution: 

Sporadic ALS is dominant in the market

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is mainly classified as either sporadic or familial. About 90% of cases in the U.S. are sporadic, meaning they occur without a known family history. However, around 10% of these patients still carry known genetic mutations, most commonly the C9ORF72 gene (7-10%), followed by SOD1 (1-2%), with other genes contributing to less than 1%. On the other hand, familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis accounts for the remaining 10% of cases and is inherited. It’s more genetically defined, with C9ORF72 mutations found in 30-50% of cases, SOD1 in 10-20%, and TARDBP or FUS mutations in about 3-5%. While sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis drives most of the treatment need, familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) offers clearer paths for targeted therapies due to identifiable genetic markers.

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Treatment Landscape: No curative treatment, current therapies focus on restricting disease progression and manage symptoms

Currently, there is no cure or treatment that can stop or reverse amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, a few medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may modestly slow the progression of the disease, for instance Riluzole (Rilutek) is believed to reduce glutamate toxicity and has been shown to extend survival by approximately two to three months, another drug Edaravone (Radicava ORS) may help slow the decline in physical function in some patients and Tofersen (Qalsody), approved in 2023, offers a new option for patients with SOD1 mutations. Another drug, AMX0035 (marketed as Relyvrio), was approved in 2022 but was discontinued in 2024 after results from the Phase 3 PHOENIX trial did not prove sufficient clinical benefit. 

In addition to medication, supportive or symptomatic care is still central to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment. Most available therapies aim to manage symptoms, enhance quality of life, and modestly slow the disease’s progression. Interventions often address challenges in mobility, speech, breathing, and nutrition. For example, respiratory therapy such as non-invasive ventilation (e.g., BiPAP) can support breathing, and nutritional support through PEG tube placement helps support adequate calorie intake as swallowing becomes impaired. Speech therapy and occupational therapy are commonly used to preserve communication and daily function. The FDA has also approved Nuedexta for the treatment of pseudobulbar affect (PBA), a condition characterized by sudden, uncontrollable episodes of laughing or crying that commonly affect individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). 

Looking ahead, the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment landscape is evolving. This shift is being driven by increasing investment in drug development, for instance, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) committed $25 million for five years to innovative ALS research in 2020. Such funding is helping to fuel growth in this field, alongside a rising number of clinical trials and active research into novel approaches such as gene therapy and stem cell-based treatments. This momentum is expected to continue as global research efforts intensify, and new therapeutic options move closer to clinical application, offering hope for more effective interventions in the future.

 Clinical pipeline including small molecules, monoclonal antibodies and peptides: The ALS treatment pipeline is evolving toward precision medicine
 
The clinical pipeline for new amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatments is advancing rapidly. While small peptides (Riluzole and Edaravone) are already commercially available, clinical trials continue for these agents alongside new candidates. The ongoing research is driving the development of both monoclonal antibodies and novel peptide-based therapies, which are expected to enter the market over the forecast period.

Monoclonal antibodies represent a promising category due to their high specificity in targeting disease-related molecular pathways, offering the potential for highly tailored therapeutic approaches. Meanwhile, peptide-based therapies are also attracting increasing attention owing to their biocompatibility, specificity, and ability to modulate a wide range of biological targets with minimal toxicity.

Though these innovative approaches remain in the early stages of clinical development, they reflect a broader trend in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research toward precision and personalized medicine.

Driver: Rising Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Incidence in the Aging Population

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) primarily affects older adults, with the highest incidence observed in individuals aged 60 to 79, and the risk increasing significantly after the age of 80. As the global population continues to age, the burden of ALS is expected to rise. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2030, one in six people worldwide will be 60 years or older, a key demographic trend that will likely contribute to an increase in ALS cases. Reflecting the current scope of the disease, a 2023 review published on ResearchGate estimates the global prevalence of ALS at 4.42 per 100,000 population, with an incidence of approximately 1.59 per 100,000 person-years. This growing demographic shift is a major driver of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment market, as age is a well-established risk factor for disease onset.

Moreover, addressing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in older individuals is particularly important due to the complexity of care in this age group. Older patients often have multiple comorbidities and are typically on several medications, which can complicate symptom management and increase the need for personalized, multidisciplinary treatment strategies. 

Challenge: High Cost of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Treatment

The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment market faces a significant challenge related to the increasing cost of care as the disease progresses. A study conducted by Biogen revealed that medical expenses for ALS patients in the U.S. rise sharply over time. Annual costs escalate from approximately $31,000 in the early stages of the disease to over $122,000 in the later stages. In addition, a separate study has shown that diagnosis of ALS is often delayed, taking an average of 14 to 24 months. This delay can worsen outcomes and contribute to overall healthcare costs.

Furthermore, ALS therapies stand for a high-cost segment of the rare disease drug market. For example, Qalsody, a genetically targeted therapy approved for patients with SOD1 gene mutations is priced at approximately $16,126 per 15 mL intrathecal dose. The cumulative cost of such advanced treatments poses a substantial economic burden on payers, patients, and healthcare systems.

Opportunity: Advancing Biomarkers in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment market is poised for transformation driven by rapid advancements in biomarker development. Biomarkers offer significant commercial and clinical value by enabling earlier diagnosis, precise disease monitoring, and more efficient clinical trials, they are critical factors in accelerating drug development and market entry.

A major milestone began in 2023, when the FDA granted accelerated approval to Tofersen (Qalsody), recognizing neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a response biomarker. NfL reductions were seen as indicators of slowed disease progression, helping establish its role in assessing treatment efficacy. Since then, efforts to identify additional biomarkers have intensified. For example, research is underway to detect abnormal forms of TDP-43, a key protein implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathology in cerebrospinal fluid or blood. Reliable detection of such biomarkers could enable earlier diagnosis, real-time monitoring of disease progression, and the development of personalized treatment strategies.

Recognizing the urgent need for validated biomarkers, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is actively supporting biomarker development efforts. These initiatives aim to reduce diagnostic delays especially in patients with atypical presentations and to better predict disease trajectories. Ultimately, the convergence of biomarker innovation offers a powerful opportunity to change the landscape of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment by enabling earlier intervention, more targeted therapies, and faster access to effective treatments.

By Distribution Channel: Medications currently dominate the ALS treatment market, driven by FDA-approved drugs like Riluzole, Edaravone, and Qalsody

By distribution channel, the market is segmented into hospitals & clinics and pharmacies. Currently, hospitals & clinics dominate the market, primarily due to the complexity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and the intensive care it requires. This dominance is driven by the frequent hospital visits and stays needed for treatment and disease management. Hospitals are often the preferred choice as they provide comprehensive access to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) medications, including FDA-approved drugs such as Riluzole and Edaravone, ensuring consistent availability and specialized care.

However, the pharmacy segment, including retail and online pharmacies, is expected to witness significant growth. This trend will be supported by the rise in telehealth consultations and the increasing availability of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) drugs that are easier to administer at home.

By Treatment Type: Medications currently dominate the ALS treatment market, driven by FDA-approved drugs like Riluzole, Edaravone, and Qalsody
The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment market is segmented by treatment type into medications and stem cell therapies, with medications holding the dominant market share of over 80% due to the availability of FDA-approved therapies that aid in slowing the disease progression. Key drugs include Riluzole, Edaravone, and Qalsody. 

Riluzole, the first FDA-approved amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) drug, is available in multiple formulations, including the original tablet form, Rilutek approved in 1995, the brand version costs approximately $2,211 for a 60-tablet supply, while the generic version costs around $654 for the same quantity  and the oral suspension. Tiglutik was later introduced, offering ease of administration for patients with swallowing difficulties, priced at approximately $2,114, with generics offering a more affordable alternative. Tiglutik is the only riluzole formulation approved for both oral and PEG tube use. Despite the availability of generics, the overall cost of riluzole treatment varies significantly based on insurance coverage, often resulting in high out-of-pocket expenses for patients. Edaravone, initially launched as the intravenous drug Radicava in 2017, became available in an oral formulation, Radicava ORS, in 2022, offering improved convenience and ease of use. As of April 1, 2025, the intravenous form of edaravone was discontinued. The oral version is priced at approximately $15,372 per 50 mL, representing a considerable financial burden; however, its oral administration significantly enhances the potential for long-term patient adherence. Another notable therapy, Qalsody, is a genetically targeted treatment developed for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene. In 2024, Qalsody secured regulatory approval in several major international markets, including Japan (December), China under conditional approval (October), and the European Union (May). Biogen reported $32.4 million in Qalsody revenue for 2024, highlighting the increasing commercial interest and demand for genetic therapies.

Meanwhile, stem cell therapies remain experimental, with promising early results during the forecast period but no regulatory approvals to date, notable developments include mesenchymal stem cell research. In 2025 DVCStem, reported that MSCs show promising potential in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), with early studies suggesting they may delay onset, slow progression, and extend lifespan. Another significant development is Mitsubishi Chemical’s CL2020 therapy, which completed a Phase 2 clinical study and was found to be safe and well tolerated in five ALS patients.

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By Region: North America leads the global ALS treatment market, driven by strong R&D, early drug approvals, and robust patient support systems

The global amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatment market is segmented into North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa, with North America leading the market. In the U.S. alone, approximately 30,000 people live with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), highlighting a pressing demand for effective treatments. The region dominates in R&D, with most amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) drugs approved there first. Organizations such as the ALS Association are instrumental in driving progress, funding various treatment programs including grant program for stem cell therapy. Additionally, improved insurance coverage plays a key role in patient access to care, given the high cost of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis treatments. Comprehensive support systems like the ALS Network serve the nation’s largest ALS community, providing services such as equipment loans, access to specialized clinics, research guidance, benefits assistance, advocacy, and connection groups for patients and caregivers. Canada contributes significantly through the Canadian Neuromuscular Disease Registry (CNDR), collecting data from clinics nationwide to enhance treatment quality and accessibility.

Europe follows closely, supported by collaborative initiatives such as ENCALS and TRICALS, which work with over 60 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) centers to expand access to clinical trials, currently involving fewer than 5% of European amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients.

In the Asia Pacific, countries like Japan are establishing multidisciplinary amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) centers, while developing countries like India is making notable strides. In 2023/2024, over 550 Indian doctors were certified through Advanced Life Support (ALS) courses in partnership with the European Resuscitation Council (ERC). Region-wide, internationally accredited training programs are boosting care quality for ALS patients.

Meanwhile, the Middle East and Africa remain in a growing phase. Though the infrastructure and resources are still developing, the increasing focus on awareness, training, and international collaboration signals potential for long-term market growth in the region.

Recent Developments in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Treatment Market

First Synaptic Regenerative Therapy Granted Orphan Drug Designation

• On June 3rd, 2025 - Spinogenix announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) to its lead compound, SPG302, for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
• Spinogenix recently completed a Phase 2 clinical trial of SPG302 in Australia (NCT06903286).

TPN-101 Joins HEALEY ALS Phase 2/3 Trial After Phase 2 Success

• On May 28th, 2025, Transposon Therapeutics announced positive data for TPN-101 in C9orf72-related ALS, lowering NfL and IL-6 levels.
• Beginning of the trial with HEALEY ALS Platform Trial, is expected in Q4-2025

Immunity Pharma Reports Positive Phase 2a Results for IPL344 in ALS

• On 7th April 2025 Immunity pharma showed IPL344 significantly slowed ALSFRS-R progression by 58-64% vs. matched PRO-ACT control
• NfL levels dropped 27% after two months of treatment

QALSODY Japan Approval

• In December 2024 the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare approved QALSODY in Japan

Key Competitors

• Medicinova
• Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma
• Ionis
• Alector
• Sanofi
• ITF Pharma
• Aquisitive Therapuetice
• GSK
• Denali Therapuetics
• BrainStrom

Segmentation of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Treatment Market 

By Treatment Type

• Medication Therapy
  • Riluzole
  • Radicava
  • Qalsody
• Stem Cell Therapy

By Distribution Channel

• Hospital & Clinics
• Pharmacies

By Region

• North America
• South America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa