Salbutamol is an asthma medicine that increases muscle tone and opens up airways in the lungs. Some SMA researchers also say that it increases the production of the SMN protein. Both clinical research and anecdotal evidence support the view that salbutamol can offer fair benefit in SMA. It is available in many forms but used in SMA uniquely in oral form (as a tablet or syrup).
Valproic acid was found to offer minor improvement in some SMA patients but is no longer recommended due to serious side effects.
Celecoxib has been linked to some benefits in SMA but further research is needed.