Seeking Input for a Novel Idea

Seeking Input for a Novel Idea

“Dear Sir or Madam, will you read my book? It took me years to write, will you take a look? … If you must return it, you can send it here,  But I need a break, and I want to be a paperback writer.” A story in a London…

FDA Approves Phase 2 Trial of Psychedelic Ketamine in ALS

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a Phase 2 clinical trial of the psychedelic ketamine, PharmaTher’s experimental treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). FDA approval was requested through an investigational new drug application (IND) submitted by the study’s principal investigator, Richard Barohn, MD, a neurologist…

ALS Community Invited to Help Set Research Priorities in US

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is asking people across the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) community to submit their preferences regarding what should be prioritized to accelerate ALS research. NINDS, which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is seeking contributions from ALS patients,…

AcuraStem’s AS-202 for ALS Shows Promise in Preclinical Studies

AcuraStem’s experimental therapy AS-202 significantly reduced neurodegeneration and improved motor function and survival in a mouse model of aggressive amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) associated with toxic clumps of the TDP-43 protein, the company announced. Preclinical studies also confirmed the therapy’s biological activity and target engagement and suggested that…

Finding the Words to Describe Our Relationship With ALS

I was struck by the wording in an advertisement in Quest magazine, a publication of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, that invited people “coping with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)” to participate in an observational study. I think of “coping” as not only dealing with something difficult, but doing so…

The Unexpected Joy Emanating From Detective-watching

“Cellophane shrink-wrapped, so correct Red dogs under illegal legs … She is watching the detectives ‘Ooh, it’s so cute.'” Elvis Costello’s homage to film noir crime drama, “Watching the Detectives,” inadvertently became a musical tipping point as 2021 bled into 2022. On Dec. 30, my pastor — and dear…