Top 10 ALS news stories of 2025
Eric Dane’s advocacy, new research, and clinical trials lead this year's recap
Throughout 2025, ALS News Today delivered readers timely reporting on research breakthroughs, patient advocacy, potential treatments, and diagnostic advances for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Below are the top 10 most-read news stories for a recap of the year, each accompanied by a summary. As we enter 2026, we look forward to continuing to serve and support the ALS community.
No. 10 – Qalsody halts disease progression in SOD1-ALS patients
Qalsody (tofersen), an approved treatment developed and marketed by Biogen, was shown to halt disease progression in seven patients with ALS associated with SOD1 mutations. Patients had received the therapy at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis as part of an expanded access program sponsored by the company. While all patients had slowly progressing ALS before taking Qalsody, their functional disability remained stable over about 1.5 years of treatment.
Read more here.
No. 9 – Researcher advocates rethinking ALS treatment strategies
Hande Ozdinler, PhD, a neurology expert from Northwestern University, argued that chasing a single “miracle” treatment is unlikely to succeed. Instead, she emphasized understanding the complex biology of ALS — particularly the loss of upper motor neurons, the nerve cells that control movement from the brain — and designing multifaceted treatment approaches tailored to distinct disease mechanisms.
Read more here.
No. 8 – Blood test could diagnose ALS up to 10 years before symptom onset
Researchers have developed a highly accurate blood test based on a unique protein signature that may help diagnose ALS up to a decade before its first symptoms appear. Earlier diagnosis could enable earlier intervention and enrollment in clinical trials, potentially leading to improved outcomes.
Read more here.
No. 7 – NP001 data show nearly two-year survival benefit in patient subset
New analyses of data from two Phase 2 clinical trials revealed that, among a subset of patients who did not exhibit signs of disease progression, Neuvivo’s treatment candidate NP001 (sodium chlorite) was associated with a substantial survival benefit. After receiving the therapy for six months, this group of patients lived 22 months longer than the control group. The company has since met with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and anticipates launching a pivotal Phase 3 trial of NP001 next year.
Read more here.
No. 6 – Repurposed veterinary medication prolongs survival in patients
NUZ-001, originally a veterinary medication, was associated with a significantly slower disease progression and more prolonged survival in a long-term extension of a Phase 1 clinical trial. Patients treated with NUZ-001 showed a 31% slower functional decline, a 43% slower decline in lung function, and a 77% lower risk of death compared with historical controls. NUZ-001 has now been cleared to enter the HEALEY ALS trial, officially becoming the ninth compound to join the platform trial.
Read more here.
No. 5 – New evidence hints ALS may have autoimmune component
U.S. researchers identified an immune response mistakenly targeting the C9ORF72 protein in people with ALS, marking the first clear demonstration of a specific autoimmune component in the disease. This finding could influence future strategies for treatment if ALS is, at least in part, an autoimmune disease.
Read more here.
No. 4 – Noninvasive spinal stimulation extends survival in mouse model
In a preclinical study, noninvasive electrical stimulation of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves slowed disease progression and significantly extended survival in a mouse model of ALS. The approach is similar to that used in Pathmaker Neurosystems‘ MyoRegulator, supporting ongoing clinical trials of the noninvasive nerve-modulation device in ALS patients.
Read more here.
No. 3 – High sugar diet plus riluzole linked to slower progression
A diet with a high glycemic index, containing foods that quickly increase levels of sugar in the blood, is linked to slower functional decline in people with sporadic ALS, especially among those taking the approved medication riluzole. The findings suggest that nutritional counseling may help maximize the benefits of existing treatment.
Read more here.
No. 2 – Geographic link between ALS and MS suggests environmental factors
A study analyzing U.S. mortality data found a strong geographic association between ALS and multiple sclerosis when considering sex. The finding suggests that shared environmental factors, such as biological agents or chemical exposures, may influence the risk of both neurodegenerative diseases.
Read more here.
No. 1 – Actor Eric Dane raises ALS awareness in TV drama
Actor Eric Dane, who has been diagnosed with ALS, guest-starred as a character with the disease on NBC’s drama series “Brilliant Minds.” His portrayal and advocacy efforts tied to the episode were seen as meaningful steps toward raising public awareness of how ALS manifests and the challenges it can bring to patients and their families. Dane is now teaming up with Target ALS on a campaign to raise $500,000 by the end of this year to advance research on the disease.
Read more here.
We hope these stories and all our reporting in 2025 have been a valuable resource for the ALS community, and we wish all our readers a happy new year!
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