This video from Nature Video discusses the neurons behind amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).  The narrator explains that ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that usually begins in adulthood and progresses rapidly. MORE: Sixteen fast facts about ALS. The disease is characterized by the loss of both upper and lower motor neurons,…

Researchers have developed an antibody, called armanezumab, which specifically targets defective tau protein. The molecule has potential for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), among other diseases. According to results of the study “Humanized monoclonal antibody armanezumab specific to N-terminus of pathological tau: characterization and therapeutic potency,”…

The first treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in more than two decades, Radicava (edaravone), has been approved by the  U.S. Food and Drug Administration and will soon be available to patients. The May 5 FDA decision, hailed by physicians and ALS advocates, brings hope to the ALS community that treatment development, after a…

ALS Ride for Life is launching its 20th annual ride and celebrating the anniversary with another event to raise awareness and funds to accelerate the discovery of a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Chris Pendergast founded Ride for Life in 1997 after being diagnosed with ALS in…

Defects in RNA processing and transport, as well as protein folding, may contribute to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) pathology, according to the results of recent research. The study, “Altered nucleocytoplasmic proteome and transcriptome distributions in an in vitro model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,” was published in the journal PLOS…

College students from the Oklahoma Christian University are helping an ALS sufferer communicate with his wife again. Sixty-four-year-old Carl Phelps from Oklahoma was diagnosed with bulbar onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in April 2015. The disease’s first symptoms appear in the mouth and many patients experience problems talking, eating and…

Between 1943 and 1979, miners around the world were encouraged (and in some cases forced) to inhale aluminum dust called McIntyre Powder, believing that the substance would help protect their lungs. However, a health agency in Ontario has found an alarming link between McIntyre Powder and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

May is ALS Awareness Month and the ALS community is seeking the help of individuals willing to participate, advocate and donate to advance the fight toward a world free of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” The ALS Association is a national non-profit organization dedicated to building…

Biohaven Pharmaceuticals is pushing hard for regulatory approval and development of its two investigational drugs for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): BHV-0223, a sublingual form of Rilutek (riluzole), and BHV-4157, a compound that modulates the neurotransmitter glutamate. After more than 20 years, Rilutek remains the only approved treatment for people with…

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease that causes the degeneration of motor neurons, eventually leading to a loss of movement and patients being unable to breathe without assistance. We’ve put together a list of fast facts about ALS with help from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and…