A first patient has been dosed in a Phase 2 clinical trial testing Alector’s investigational antibody AL001 as a treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) associated with C9orf72 mutations. The trial is expected to enroll an estimated 45 ALS patients, who will be randomly assigned to AL001 or a placebo,…
Participation in clinical trials exposes rare disease patients to financial, physical, and emotional pressures, according to the results of a patient focus group series. “Rare disease trial participants are running an endurance race they are highly motivated to complete, but these incremental burdens negatively impact their ability or willingness to…
A technology based on artificial intelligence is helping to spot biomarkers and document the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a large speech study being conducted by EverythingALS. The technology, developed by Modality.ai, is a web-based computer program that uses audio (speech) and video (facial) recordings…
I watched a tribute video to a husband and father who recently died from ALS. Tears filled my eyes over tender moments of a toddler kissing and hugging his dad, jumping on his lap, and driving matchbox cars on his head while the dad smiled. The man radiated love for…
ProMIS Neurosciences is advancing the development of antibodies against toxic TDP-43 protein clumps for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the company announced. Through lab and animal tests, ProMIS said in a press release, the company plans to validate its current antibodies, which include extracellular antibodies delivered…
“But if I had the Chance to start all over I would be wishing today On a four-leaf clover … If I could turn back The hands of time.” The 45 rpm single “Turn Back the Hands of Time” by rhythm and blues artist Tyrone Davis was a…
Health Canada has agreed to review Amylyx Pharmaceuticals‘ application seeking approval of AMX0035 for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). “We are pleased that our submission has been accepted for review by Health Canada, and we are committed to serving those affected by ALS in the…
Last week, I had several email exchanges with ALS patients who wrote about their feelings of anger because ALS had robbed them of the life they had planned to live. I certainly can relate. I felt exactly the same way after my diagnosis. I told them what had helped…
A $10-million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will help fund the first U.S.-based clinical trial of Synchron’s Stentrode, a wireless brain device, implanted without open brain surgery, that transmits signals from the brain directly to a computer. The COMMAND trial will evaluate whether the device…
The Adira Foundation is inviting people with neurodegenerative diseases and their caregivers to join a grant proposal review committee. A nonprofit foundation, its mission is to unite people affected by some of most common neurodegenerative diseases — namely, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and…
