News

Only a minority of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients are concerned about a possible negative impact of genetic testing on their well-being and that of their family, according to the results of a small survey in the Chicago area. The survey’s findings, presented in a poster session at the…

Reldesemtiv (formerly known as CK-2127107) reduces lung function decline and overall disease progression, without significant adverse events, in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a Phase 2 trial shows. The study, however, did not meet its primary endpoint. The new findings from the…

Making digital art can be beneficial for the psychological health of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a proof-of-concept study showed. The findings, “BRIDGE: Dynamic Imagery and Art Therapy in ALS- A Clinical Study to Improve Patient Expression and Wellness,” were presented in a poster session at…

A vitamin D activator molecule known as CYP27B1 is a biomarker of muscle alterations in patients with amytrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and may be a marker of clinical progression of the disease, according to new research. The findings, “The Vitamin D Activator, CYP27B1, is a Novel…

A cancer therapy called imatinib mesylate (sold under the brand name Gleevec) has the potential to slow progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and extend survival, research in mice shows. The findings, “Cancer Drug Repurposing for Treating Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS),” were presented at the 2019…

Radicava (edaravone) may prevent functional deterioration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, results from a literature review suggest. Findings from the review, “Safety and Efficacy of Edaravone in Delaying Functional Decline in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Meta-Analysis,” were presented in a poster session at the…

The ALS Association has launched a financial aid program, called The Jane Calmes ALS Scholarship Fund, to help students whose lives are affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pursue a college degree or vocational certificate. The scholarship program will award $5,000 a year to at least 30 students whose…

Biogen’s investigational therapy tofersen can significantly reduce toxic levels of SOD1 protein and may slow disability progression in people with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) caused by SOD1 mutations, interim study results show. The positive data from a Phase 1/2 clinical trial support advancing the experimental compound into Phase 3 studies…

Masitinib, the lead experimental medicine being developed by AB Science, can modulate the activity of different cell types known to be involved in inflammation and nerve degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to results from a preclinical study. The findings were discussed in a presentation, titled “Post-paralysis treatment with…

Cumbersome security procedures, rising airfares, and shrinking legroom have made commercial air travel difficult enough these days — even for healthy passengers. Imagine how much harder it is for patients with rare diseases who must get to doctors’ appointments or clinical trials that are hundreds of miles away from home.