Kadimastem Plans Phase 1/2a Clinical Trial of Cell Therapy for ALS

Kadimastem Plans Phase 1/2a Clinical Trial of Cell Therapy for ALS

The Israeli biotechnology company Kadimastem is planning a Phase 1/2a clinical trial of a cell therapy for ALS after regulators gave it the go-ahead. Kadimastem’s therapy, AstroRx, consists of cells called astrocytes that are injected into cerebrospinal fluid. The star-shaped cells, which surround nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, are derived…

Prevalence, Demographics of ALS Remains Steady in US, Study Finds

The U.S. prevalence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2014 was 5.0 per 100,000 people, which was unchanged from 2013, according to researchers. Men, whites, and people 60 and older continue to show the highest rates. The study, “Prevalence of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis — United States, 2014,” was published in…

Prothena and Celgene to Work Together on ALS Therapies

Prothena and Celgene are teaming up to develop treatments for a range of neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The collaboration will focus on therapies that can target proteins such as tau and TDP-43 that scientists have linked to these disorders. “The programs we have chosen to collaborate…

My ALS Hero: Stephen Hawking

For a man whose passion involved solving the mysteries of the universe, Stephen Hawking remained a mystery to many. First and foremost he was a British physicist, earning accolades and respect for his many contributions to science. Secondly, as a person living with ALS, his fame came…