Scientists at Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute who are researching methods for enhancing stem cell models for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have found that “aging” the cells could improve studies for potential disease treatments. The mature cells more closely reproduce ALS pathology seen in patients, they said. The research paper, “…
Researchers reviewed the strengths and weaknesses of animal models currently used for ALS research, in the study “From animal models to human disease: a genetic approach for personalized medicine in ALS,” recently published in Acta Neuropathologica Communications. Through the study, authors suggest that promising therapies are on…
BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics reported data from its recently completed Phase 2 clinical trial of NurOwn in 48 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a recent press release. The trial achieved its primary endpoint; treatment with NurOwn was found generally safe and well tolerated. NurOwn…
Researchers at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI), along with colleagues at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, conducted a study focusing on the unexplored functions of a gene whose mutations are found in a significant number of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The findings supply evidence of a…
In a recent interview, Dr. David Perlmutter discussed new and exciting gut microbiome theories that could change the way the medical community looks at human health in general and neurological diseases, such as ALS, in particular. The new perspectives could lead to therapies focused on the root of the problem, instead…
Attempting to lower a specific protein that is higher in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), researchers discovered that the protein does not contribute to the disease as believed. Instead, it protects neurons from rampaging inflammation. The findings, published in the journal Human Molecular Genetics under the title “Genetic ablation of IP3 receptor 2…
Whether the damage done by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also affects visual pathways, namely the macula, is a matter of debate among scientists and physicians. Researchers at the Feinberg School of Medicine investigated this, comparing the macular structure of ALS patients and examining its correlation with pulmonary function tests, and concluded that macular…
Researchers who studied noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) found that respiratory muscles may work more efficiently during NIV. They also believe their measurement technique can be useful for detecting changes in breathing patterns even in early-stage ALS patients. The research paper, “Effects of non-invasive ventilation and posture…
Scientists at the University of Southern California have developed a laboratory model of skeletal muscle, fabricated on a tiny chip molded in gelatin, derived from natural muscle protien. As a research platform tool, the mold holds the potential to aid studies on muscle development, degeneration and diseases. Future plans for gelatin chips include…
Herantis Pharma announced that a pipeline therapy known as cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) has been granted Orphan Drug Status by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to speed its development and testing as a potential treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s disease. Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor is a neuroprotective and…
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