Targeting a specific part of the TDP-43 protein can prevent toxic protein clumping that drives amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) without disrupting the protein’s normal function, a new study shows. “Current [U.S.-approved] treatments for ALS provide only modest benefits. There is an urgent need for a real breakthrough,” Xinglong Wang,…
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An expanded access program (EAP) at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) shows that such programs can work, a study found. The program enabled 11 people with SOD1-associated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who could not participate in clinical trials to receive Qalsody (tofersen) before its U.S. approval. In addition, it…
More than one in 10 people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) harbor at least one known disease-causing mutation, according to a new profile from the Strategic ALS Australia Systems Genomics Consortium (SALSA-SGC). The multi-site research consortium brings together major ALS clinics across Australia to collect clinical data and biological…
A new wearable soft-glove device has successfully restored hand function in a man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), allowing him to grip objects and feed himself independently. The device was developed by a team of scientists in Germany who worked in direct collaboration with the patient himself. The man…
Neuralink, a company developing brain-computer interface (BCI) devices aimed at restoring independence to people with paralysis caused by conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has tested a new implant approach in which electrode threads were inserted through the dura without cutting it open. The dura is the…
A University of Melbourne spinout company is developing a less invasive brain-computer interface that could one day allow people with impaired speech, including those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), to communicate by attempting to say words. Unlike many current brain-computer interface prototypes, which can involve invasive surgery…
Incorporating muscle assessments from whole-body MRIs (WB-MRIs) into the diagnostic process for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may help identify the condition with a greater degree of certainty, according to a study from France. ALS causes damage to specialized nerve cells called motor neurons. Some criteria for diagnosing ALS…
Oral amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) treatment PrimeC significantly reduced levels of TDP-43, a protein that abnormally accumulates in nearly all ALS cases, in a Phase 2b clinical trial. The PARADIGM study met its main efficacy goal of lowering TDP-43 levels in nerve cells relative to a placebo after six months.
Former NFL running back Chris Johnson, whose historic 2,000 rushing yards in a season earned him the nickname CJ2K, has revealed that he is living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), saying he hopes sharing his story will encourage earlier diagnoses, inspire more research, and give hope to others facing…
Trace Neuroscience has launched its clinical development program for TRCN-1023, an experimental treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that is designed to restore the function of UNC13A, a protein involved in nerve-muscle communication. The global clinical program includes FUNCTION ALS, a company-sponsored Phase 1/2 clinical trial authorized…
Recent Posts
- New strategy prevents toxic protein clumps that drive ALS: Study
- Mass General program shows feasibility of expanded access model
- Our discomfort with suffering may explain the ‘things we can’t hold on to’
- Australian data project links 1 in 10 ALS cases to genetics
- Co-designed robotic glove gives a man with severe ALS his grip back