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A number of stem cell lines developed to better understand how certain genetic factors might contribute to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases is now available to scientists worldwide. The cell lines were engineered by researchers at the National Institutes of Health Center for Alzheimer’s and Related…

People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have significantly higher blood levels of lead, a toxic heavy metal, than those without the disease, a review study found. While the findings strengthen accumulating evidence of a link between lead exposure and the risk of developing ALS, they do not definitively prove…

Real-world use of Radicava (edaravone) significantly prolongs survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, with people in the U.S. on the therapy living about six months longer than those not on this treatment, an analysis of Radicava’s use in clinical settings reported. The estimated probability of survival was greater…

A mutation in the STMN2 gene that consists of an excessive repeat of two nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA, is not associated with the greater risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a new study reported. Its findings contradict previous research suggesting a link between this particular mutation and ALS. “Although the…

Long-term use of Radicava (edaravone) is safe and may modestly slow disease progression in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a small Korean study. Patients also experienced no changes in phrenic nerve function, which is required for the contraction and expansion of the diaphragm muscle. “Further…

Kadimastem has received a U.S. patent covering its investigational cell therapy AstroRx for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases. The patent, granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, supports an upcoming Phase 2a clinical trial that’s planned to start in the U.S. next year.

A protein called NOVA1 may be involved in the early disruption of protein production in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), even before the characteristic buildup of the toxic TDP-43 protein occurs. The finding is a step toward identifying ways to treat the disease in its earlier stages, before nerve cells…

Note: This story was updated Aug. 10, 2022, to clarify the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory committee voted there is no substantial evidence supporting AMX0035 efficacy. When added to standard of care, both the experimental oral therapy AMX0035 and the U.S.-approved Radicava ORS oral suspension provide comparable…

The Pooled Resource Open-Access ALS Clinical Trials (PRO-ACT) database, the largest collection of de-identified records on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients in clinical trials, has been updated with records of participants in three Cytokinetics-sponsored studies. Newly added findings derive from a decade of trials involving nearly 600 ALS patients. Those…

As part of its Tribute Awards, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) will honor Alan Pestronk, MD, co-director of the MDA & ALS Care Center at Washington University School of Medicine. The Tribute Awards recognizes those “who have been tireless in their efforts” to support members of the neuromuscular disease…