Marisa Wexler, MS,  senior science writer—

Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

Scientists reverse cell aging in mice, delaying ALS onset

Genetically reprogramming nerve cells to reverse aging may be a viable strategy for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a mouse study showed. Researchers found that a gene therapy made the mice’s nerve cells younger and more resilient, which delayed the onset of ALS symptoms. “Our hope is that this…

Research sheds new light on ALS gene mutation

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine said they’ve solved a longstanding mystery of how mutations in the C9ORF72 gene, a common genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), may lead to toxic proteins. The findings suggest a new approach that could lead to the development of targeted therapies, the researchers…

Wearable robot gives ALS patients a hand

A wearable robot that detects small arm motions and helps support the shoulder can make it easier for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients to pick up and carry things, a study showed. ALS is a neurological disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness and eventual paralysis. Weak limbs make many…

Advocates ask for new FDA review of stem cell therapy NurOwn

A coalition of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and their family members has filed a petition to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asking the agency to review again available data for the stem cell therapy NurOwn (debamestrocel). The petitioners include ALS patients who received NurOwn in…

9 of 10 NurOwn-treated ALS patients surpass five-year survival

Nine out of 10 people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who received the experimental cell therapy NurOwn (debamestrocel) in an expanded access program (EAP) following a placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial survived for at least five years after the onset of their symptoms. That’s according to data announced by…

Dazucorilant significantly extends survival in Phase 2 ALS trial

Dazucorilant, an oral cortisol modulator being developed by Corcept Therapeutics, significantly improved survival among people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a Phase 2 clinical trial. Despite it failing to slow disease progression, the trial’s main goal, Corcept is now seeking guidance from U.S. and European regulators to determine…