New technology that tests therapies designed for disorders of the neuromuscular junction, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), closely mimics the human condition and offers a new method of drug testing, according to a report. The paper, “Stem cell derived phenotypic human neuromuscular junction model for…
Are you ready? Then let’s GO! We can climb a mountain, walk a mile, drink a beer, or just shop online — all to raise money for ALS. In the U.S., the month of May traditionally has been designated as ALS Awareness Month. In the U.K., where…
MediciNova’s investigational therapy MN-166 (ibudilast) was able to delay disease worsening and improve survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, updated data from a Phase 2 clinical trial show. The study, “Ibudilast — Phosphodiesterase Type 4 Inhibitor — Bi-Modal Therapy with Riluzole in Early [Not…
Investigational therapy NP001 failed to improve disease severity and pulmonary function in a Phase 2 confirmatory trial for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with elevated levels of systemic inflammation, Neuraltus Pharmaceuticals announced. The findings, showing the trial failed to meet its primary and secondary goals, were recently shared during the…
A new Japanese joint venture company called MAGiQ Therapeutics — the result of a collaboration between Q Therapeutics and Reprocell — aims to develop cell and gene therapies for demyelinating and degenerative diseases of the central nervous system. Among the first diseases its efforts will target is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a…
Anxiety and depression were found to be associated with caregiver burden in people caring for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, according to a study. Researchers found that anxiety was mainly observed in those with a low caregiver burden, and depression was seen more widely in those with a high…
In last week’s column, I shared how the simple strategy of showing up helps me live with ALS. This week, I have a suggestion for something that should be at the top of your list of things to show up for: your ALS support group. ALS support groups…
A diet that includes foods rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids like alpha-linolenic acid — an essential plant-derived fatty acid found in flaxseed, canola, and other oils — is linked to a lower risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), researchers report. But their work also found that diets rich in arachidonic…
The European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) issued a negative opinion on the conditional marketing authorization of masitinib for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the therapy’s maker, AB Science, recently announced in a press release. Masitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) being developed by AB Science to treat symptoms of…
H.P. Acthar Gel, an experimental injectable therapy, may help delay progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a new analysis reveals. The data is scheduled to be presented at the 70th annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) in Los Angeles, April 21–27, in a presentation titled, “Post…
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