Recent studies indicate that minocycline exerts neuroprotective effects in vitro 
and in vivo, and suggest that the drug may represent a novel therapeutic 
approach to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this study we investigated 
the safety of combined treatment with minocycline and riluzole in ALS. Twenty 
ALS patients were randomised into two groups and administered either riluzole 
(50 mg b.i.d.) or riluzole and minocycline (100 mg i.d.) for 6 months. Disease 
progression was measured by means of the ALS-Functional Rating Scale score at 
monthly intervals. Respiratory function was measured at the beginning of the 
study and repeated after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Combined treatment with 
minocycline and riluzole was not followed by significant side effects. This 
pilot study shows that minocycline and riluzole can be taken safely together. 
Further trials are needed to assess efficacy of such treatment.