A previously unknown mutation in the SPTLC2 gene was identified in two patients who developed juvenile-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a study reports. The mutation significantly increased the production of certain types of fat-like molecules called sphingolipids, resulting in early-onset muscle weakness, progressive motor impairment, and involuntary tongue movements.
Researchers have developed an algorithm to generate personalized survival predictions for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) based on clinical and MRI features. The scientists believe the algorithm could help patients and doctors make better treatment and care plans. “The disease progression varies greatly for ALS patients, so it…
Axoltis Pharma‘s new treatment candidate for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases was deemed safe and well tolerated at multiple doses in healthy volunteers who participated in a Phase 1b trial. Findings from the trial and preclinical studies also indicate NX210c is working as intended, boosting…
Throughout 2023, ALS News Today brought you daily coverage of the latest clinical research and scientific breakthroughs related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here are the year’s top 10 most-read articles, each with a brief description. We’re excited to remain a dependable resource for the ALS community in…
Exposure to certain toxic airborne chemicals used in industry significantly increases — by up to six times — the odds of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a study suggests. Findings underscore the importance of surveillance programs testing exposure to these airborne pollutants, especially among populations at risk. The study,…
Transcranial stimulation — a noninvasive technique that delivers low electrical currents to the brain to fine-tune nerve cell activity — improved muscle strength and quality of life in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a small clinical trial. Researchers also found that a two-week course of transcranial direct…
People with negative responses to a tuberculin skin test a few years after being vaccinated against tuberculosis had a significant, 25% lower risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in their lifetime, according to a study in Norway. Because a positive reaction is linked to the recruitment of T…
Early data from Phase 2 programs showing that CNM-Au8, an oral therapy candidate for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), induced significant reductions in a nerve damage biomarker but did not meet the criteria for accelerated approval at this time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded. Despite the…
LifeArc, a U.K.-based independent medical research charity, is offering £5 million (about $6 million) to scientists around the world as part of a grant program to tackle motor neuron disease (MND) using repurposed or combined medicines. The program is part of the Motor Neuron Disease Translational Challenge, which…
Scientists at King’s College London have identified the site in motor neurons that appears to be the starting point of dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — shedding new light on the workings of the neurodegenerative disease at its earliest stages. “This provides a better understanding of the complex…
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