News

Targeting FGF21 hormone may slow ALS disease progression

FGF21, a hormone that helps cells regulate energy use and respond to stress, may protect muscles and nerve cells from damage related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), slowing disease progression. A study found ALS patients had significantly higher levels of FGF21 in their blood and muscles than healthy controls,…

Model identifies ALS subtypes to help design targeted treatment

Researchers identified three forms, or biotypes, of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), each with distinct mechanisms that could suggest pathways for biologically specific treatment. A machine learning model was able to classify people with ALS into these three groups using demographic and disease-related information. “The machine learning model we developed,…

Immune checkpoints may predict ALS severity, progression

Immune checkpoint proteins — proteins that help regulate immune response — were elevated on T-cells and in the blood of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a small study found, suggesting they may play a role in how the disease develops. The increases were associated with more severe…

Enrollment complete in clinical trial of ALS drug MN-166

Patient enrollment is complete in a Phase 2b/3 clinical trial evaluating MN-166 (ibudilast), an investigational oral therapy developed by Medicinova to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The COMBAT-ALS (NCT04057898) trial is testing whether MN-166 can safely slow ALS progression in 234 adults with ALS, ages 18 to…

In trial, Neuronata-R benefits ALS patients with slower progression

In adults with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who have slower disease progression, the stem cell therapy Neuronata-R (lenzumestrocel) — conditionally approved in South Korea for treating ALS — was found to help preserve daily function and breathing capacity, while also reducing signs of nerve damage and inflammation. That’s according to…