News

A traffic jam inside nerve cells is a feature of most forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia, a study shows. It suggests that easing the jam is a potential strategy for treating ALS. Therapies to do this are moving into clinical trials, the researchers said. The study, “…

A protein called neuronal apoptosis inhibitor protein (NAIP) is a potential disease marker and predictor of outcomes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a new study. The protein’s levels in ALS patients and controls were measured in blood samples in the study. The…

A dissolving tablet version of riluzole called BHV-0223 has shown positive bioequivalence when compared to the oral form of the therapy, Rilutek, developer Biohaven Pharmaceuticals announced. The dissolving tablet, placed under the tongue, is easier to administrate to patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who have trouble swallowing. BHV-0223 also was found…

NeuroSGC, a new scientific partnership formed by the Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) and the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital (The Neuro) aims to discover new treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease — both of which currently lack effective therapies. Drug discovery for these and other neurological…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to the American CryoStem Corporation of Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, for marketing Atcell, the company’s adipose-derived stem cell product, without FDA approval. In its warning letter, the FDA noted “significant deviations from current good manufacturing practice requirements, including some…

Researchers at the University of Calgary in Canada are enrolling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients for a Phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate the potential therapeutics effects of a well-established antipsychotic drug called Orap (pimozide). The research team, led by Dr. Lawrence Korngut, associate professor at the…

Sangamo Therapeutics and Pfizer will work together on gene therapies they hope will overcome mutations that cause ALS and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Gene therapy works by delivering a healthy copy of a malfunctioning gene to a patient. The therapy that Sangamo is developing replaces a faulty C9orf72 gene. It consists…

Cell stress, such as a viral infection, may trigger the production of faulty proteins from the C9orf72 gene, a leading contributor of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), say researchers at the University of Michigan. Their study, “RAN translation at C9orf72-associated repeat expansions is selectively enhanced…

Rural residents with high school diplomas are at lower risk of developing dementia and cognitive impairment than those with less education, a study indicates. The study has healthcare policy implications, including providing more care to those in rural areas with dementia and cognition-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s and ALS. Researchers…

Throughout 2017, ALS News Today brought you daily coverage of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-related advocacy events, clinical studies, and the latest research updates. We have compiled a top 10 list of the most-read ALS news stories of that year, with a brief description of what made them interesting and…