News

New study IDs better method to detect gene defects in sporadic ALS

Long-read DNA sequencing is a more accurate method than short-read sequencing for detecting certain defects in genes associated with an increased risk of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a new study suggests. A relatively new technique, long-read sequencing can capture data on thousands to hundreds of thousands of nucleotides,…

New study may explain why ALS therapy BIIB078 didn’t work

The investigational antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) therapy BIIB078 may have failed in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) clinical trials because it wasn’t adequately reversing key disease processes in the brain and spinal cord. Analyses of body fluids and tissue from participants showed that, while BIIB078 reached key tissues, it couldn’t entirely…

AP-101 holds promise for some with ALS, topline data show

AP-101, AL-S Pharma’s amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) therapy, was safe and well tolerated and led to clinically meaningful benefits for breathing and survival after one year of treatment. That’s according to topline data from a now-complete Phase 2a study (NCT05039099) that tested the therapy in 73 adults with…

5 students from ALS families in Canada win scholarships

Five students from across Canada whose lives have been directly affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) received scholarships to help them pursue post-secondary education. Each ALS Canada Kevin Daly Bursary recipient will receive $2,500 for the 2025–2026 academic year. The scholarship program is designed for students with a parent,…

Promising BCI tech can translate thoughts to speech for ALS patients

New research is bringing mind-to-speech technology a step closer to reality for people with paralysis, including those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who lose the ability to speak. A proof-of-principle study shows that a brain-computer interface (BCI) can translate a person’s silent thoughts into spoken words and could provide…

New analysis shows Radicava ORS slows ALS decline

A retrospective analysis using data from two clinical studies and their extension periods showed that Radicava ORS, an oral formulation of edaravone, slows functional decline and helps adults with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) live longer. “This analysis provides additional data to help characterize functional outcomes and potential impact of…