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

ALS/MND 2023: AMX0114 may enter clinical testing next year

Amylyx Pharmaceuticals is developing AMX0114, a new experimental treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that’s designed to promote the health of nerve fibers by lowering levels of calpain-2, a protein. AMX0114 is being tested in preclinical studies with the aim of supporting an investigational new drug application (IND),…

Gene activity altered in certain brain cells of people with C9-ALS

The genetic activity of certain brain cells, namely excitatory neurons and astrocytes, is altered in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) caused by mutations in the C9ORF72 gene, a study reports. The data reveal the distinct molecular mechanisms that may lead to disease progression in people with such mutations, which…

Zydus launches Phase 2 trial of anti-inflammatory ZYIL1

Zydus Lifesciences has launched a Phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of its experimental anti-inflammatory therapy ZYIL1 in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The company announced it has received clearance for the clinical trial (NCT05981040) from India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization…

FDA advisory committee votes against NurOwn approval for ALS

In a nearly unanimous vote, an advisory committee to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said there’s not enough evidence to support the efficacy of the experimental stem cell therapy NurOwn as a treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The committee voted on a single question in its meeting: “Do…