News

New types of genetically engineered mice that allow scientists to study brain cells called astrocytes are expected to advance the understanding of how the cells contribute to diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Inserting a gene sequence in a specific position makes it possible for researchers to turn a…

Cytokinetics recently presented patient baseline characteristics from its VITALITY-ALS clinical trial investigating Tirasemtiv for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Data collected from an international physician survey on the use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in the treatment of ALS also was presented. Both presentations were made at the…

Origent Data Sciences and Cytokinetics reported results from the first part of a research partnership to further refine and validate an Origent’s computer model to predict amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) outcomes and disease progression. The effort’s ultimate goal is to develop models that can replace control arms, and the need for placebo…

The biopharma Neurimmune and the venture capital fund TVM Life Science Ventures VII announced they have created a Swiss company called AL-S Pharma AG to develop a new therapy for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). AL-S Pharma AG is a special purpose company formed to develop one compound — AP-101…

The nutritional status of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) tends to decrease with disease progression, which further increases their fragility and low energy. A new study shows that nutritional counseling may increase food consumption in ALS patients and delay the loss of muscle and fat. The study, “Assessment…

Researchers report that the co-occurrence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and the autoimmune disease myasthenia gravis is far greater than expected, raising the possibility that the two conditions share underlying disease-causing events. But to understand if that is the case, researchers need to invest in studies of similarities in the…

How the TBK1 protein, the cell’s “clearing machinery,” contributes to the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was the focus of a recent review study. The review, “Association Of Mutations In TBK1 With Sporadic And Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis And Frontotemporal Dementia,” published in the journal JAMA Neurology, was…

Researchers from the U.S. found a way to allow small substances to cross the blood-brain barrier and reach areas of the brain that are normally inaccessible. This means that drugs that are developed for the treatment of neurological conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) could reach the brain and exert their activity.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History opened its long-term exhibition “Giving in America” on Nov. 29 to display the history of philanthropy’s role in shaping the United States. The collection includes one of the first buckets that tied the Ice Bucket Challenge to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis…

ALS League Belgium, a patient organization helping the families of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), raised €302,000 (euro) to stimulate and fund research into the life-threatening nerve muscle disease. Three projects have been selected for support by ALS League Belgium this year, and details will be updated…