News

Survival in sporadic ALS linked to autophagy protein p62

Increased accumulation of p62, a protein involved in a cellular recycling process called autophagy, in the spinal cord is associated with worse survival outcomes in people with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a study revealed. Autophagy is the cellular process responsible for breaking down proteins and other complex molecules…

Genetic factors influencing ALS survival identified in Japanese study

Researchers have identified new genetic variants that might influence survival among sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients in Japan. Genetic analyses in more than 1,000 ALS patients uncovered that small changes in the FGF1, THSD7A, and LRP1 genes could affect patients’ prognosis. In patient-derived nerve cells, the identified variants led…

Neurologists frustrated with ALS treatments now on market: Study

While neurologists are frustrated with the treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) now on the market, they rapidly adopt new therapies that may delay disease progression for use among their patients with the neurodegenerative disorder. That’s according to Spherix Global Insights, a company providing market research and business…

MTPA to stop Phase 3 trial of approved Radicava ORS for ALS

Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America (MTPA), which had been testing a once-daily regimen of its oral therapy Radicava ORS (edaravone) for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), announced that it is discontinuing the Phase 3b trial and its extension study. That decision comes after an interim analysis by an independent…

Intranasal formulation helps edaravone reach brain: Early study

An into-the-nose (intranasal) formulation of edaravone — the active ingredient in the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) medication Radicava — may enhance the medication’s ability to reach brain tissue, according to a recent study. The formulation, which was made by packaging edaravone into tiny carriers called nanoparticles, was found…