ALS survey shows patients value even modest treatment gains

For many people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), even a slight slowing of disease progression is considered clinically meaningful, according to a new study based on a survey of hundreds of patients. “These results highlight the need for clinical trial designs that are capable of detecting small but meaningful…

Long-term exposure to air pollution, even at relatively low levels, is associated with an increased risk of developing motor neuron disease (MND), a group of conditions that includes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a new study by researchers in Sweden. Among patients, exposure to air pollution is also…

Target ALS has announced the launch of its redesigned website, which improves accessibility and highlights its research initiatives to accelerate the development of effective treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The new digital platform offers an improved experience for the ALS community, facilitating access to more information about…

“My body looks the same, but it works differently now.” A friend told me that 30 years ago, following her abdominal surgery. I remember nodding to show compassion, while secretly thinking, “I haven’t a clue what she’s talking about.” Decades later, living with ALS, I finally understand. When I…

Scientists have developed a new computer-based model that mimics the spinal cord’s neural networks to predict how nerve cells degenerate in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Using this simulation, researchers discovered that targeting a specific group of “coordinator” cells, known as V1 interneurons, could prevent motor neuron death.

Dewpoint Therapeutics has selected a novel small molecule designed to prevent the formation of abnormal TDP-43 protein clumps that drive nerve cell death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other related conditions. The candidate is specifically designed to target condensates, or membrane-less structures that concentrate specific molecules to…

Three years after my husband, Todd, was diagnosed with ALS, I was learning how to live with the ongoing ache of grief. I found myself crying as I watched our then 7-year-old daughter, Sara, ice skate in her program’s spring show. She and the other girls were wearing sparkly…

Overactivity of a molecular system that normally helps clear unwanted proteins may contribute to nerve cell damage in certain genetic forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a new study suggests. The findings may open new avenues for treatment, researchers wrote in the study titled “Aberrant nuclear…

Mindwalk Holdings has identified and validated antibodies that selectively target an abnormal form of the TDP-43 protein, which is found in about 97% of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) cases and is also linked to other neurodegenerative diseases. The candidates include antibodies that could potentially be given as a…

The first few months after my husband, Craig, died from ALS in April 2022 were incredibly hard and a bit of a blur. I went through the motions, not really knowing or caring what I did. Once the relatives had gone, the funeral was over, and the house was…