Whole-genome Sequencing Provides ALS Genetic Architecture ‘Snapshot’

Whole-genome sequencing, a type of genetic screening that examines a person’s complete DNA sequence, may be a promising way to identify disease-causing mutations in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a study of Italian patients. Disease-associated mutations were found in more than a quarter of 1,043 Italian…

Amydis is developing a test to monitor the buildup of TDP-43 in the eye’s retina of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which could offer a noninvasive way to diagnose the neurodegenerative disease sooner and better monitor its progression. The research will be conducted with support from a…

Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics is preparing to file an application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting approval of its cell-based therapy NurOwn for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The decision to submit a biologics license application was based on “the totality of the evidence from NurOwn’s clinical…

“It’s just one night. It’ll be fine,” my husband, Todd, said after his night caregiver contacted me late one evening to explain she was dealing with a family emergency. Todd is paralyzed from ALS and needs to be turned and have his limbs adjusted throughout the night. It was…

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…

Sometimes we all need a little help deciding whether to do something. I know I certainly do. That’s when I rely on what I call my “ALS bumper stickers.” They’re the latest addition to my ALS stress toolkit. The toolkit is a collection of strategies I use to maintain…

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…