When Second Opinions Get Social

Lately, I’ve noticed a strange trend happening in several online ALS communities I belong to. I’ve seen an increase in posts from people who haven’t yet been diagnosed with ALS asking members of the group to essentially offer medical opinions. A typical post begins with a list of physical symptoms,…

Amylyx Pharmaceuticals is seeking approval, in Canada, of its lead candidate AMX0035 for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This regulatory submission “represents a significant milestone in our efforts to develop a new treatment option for people living with ALS who have no time to wait,” Joshua Cohen, co-founder, co-CEO,…

Those who wish to gain practical tools for living optimally with rare diseases are encouraged to attend the annual Living Rare Living Stronger Patient and Family Forum, hosted by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and set this year for June 26-27. The conference brings together patients,…

Levels of the protein tau found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the transparent liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord — can help in diagnosing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a study reported. Tau levels in ALS patients also correlated with a faster progression rate and poorer survival, suggesting this…

An investigational RNA molecule called an RNA aptamer halted the death of motor neurons and helped preserve motor function in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Further research is ongoing to confirm the findings in additional ALS models before testing it in humans, “but I’m optimistic that this…

On occasion, I’ll page through the photo books my husband, Todd, made for me as Christmas gifts. I feel a sense of gratitude as I look back on all we’ve been able to do since his ALS diagnosis. Family game nights. Outings to sporting events. Family movie nights. Several…

Stem cells derived from fat tissue significantly improved motor function and delayed disease onset by protecting motor neurons in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a study shows. The study, “Adipose derived stem cells protect motor neurons and reduce glial activation in both in…

“No one knows what it’s like, “To be the bad man, “To be the sad man, “Behind blue eyes.” – The Who Last week, it was time for the annual agency performance audit of my aides. Actually, owing to COVID-19, the one for 2020 hadn’t taken place. Consequently, the…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has awarded orphan drug designation to Spinogenix’s investigational oral molecule SPG302 for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Orphan drug status is granted by the FDA to encourage the development of therapies for conditions that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the…

AcuraStem has been awarded a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) to advance AS-202, a potentially disease-modifying therapy for sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a press release. The candidate therapy is designed to increase the number of lysosomes — cell compartments…