Centogene Sets Mission to Cure 100 Rare Diseases in Next 10 Years

Exservan, Riluzole Oral Film for ALS, Now Available in US

Exservan, the first oral film formulation of riluzole for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has been launched in the United States, its developer, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America (MTPA), has announced. Rapidly dissolved when placed on top of the tongue, Exservan — specifically developed to help meet the needs…

Will This ‘New Normal’ Ever Feel Normal Again?

The other day while watching TV, I heard the newscaster announce, “We’re in the ‘new normal’ folks, and everybody wants to get out and travel again!” “Well, I don’t,” I thought, and just as quickly wondered, “Am I the only one who doesn’t feel comfortable yet to go out…

Childhood Form of ALS Identified, Linked to SPLTC1 Mutations

A previously unknown form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — one with onset during childhood — is caused by mutations that alter the production of certain lipids (fat molecules), scientists report. “We found that a genetic form of the disease can also threaten children. Our results show for the first…

ALS + a Cold = Stress x 10

My husband, Todd, came down with a cold last week. At this stage of his ALS progression, any cold is life-threatening. His lungs fill up with mucus, and he needs me to push on his abdomen so he can cough it out. Todd had a sore throat and a runny…

ALS Association Wants More Commitment From the FDA

In a response letter to The ALS Association, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recognized the unmet therapeutic need of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and reaffirmed its commitment to the 2019 ALS clinical trial guidance. However, the agency did not provide any details about how it…

A Moment of Silence: Craving a ‘Re-lease’

“He wants to give the answers but his words are only Answers to nothing … They think this is the answer, But their thoughts are only Answers to nothing.” — Midge Ure “And the vision that was planted in my brain Still remains Within the sound of silence.” —…