Remedies (progression inhibitors) for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) which contain as the active ingredient HGF and/or HGF gene. HGF has two functions, i.e., a direct neurotrophic factor activity on motoneurons and an indirect effect of relieving glutamic acid cytotoxicity on motoneurons by maintaining the glutamic acid transporter level in astrocytes, thereby improving the motor function and prolonging the life of patients with ALS. Thus, HGF and/or HGF gene can be effectively used as efficacious remedies that have never been known hitherto.
