Despite a lack of clinical evidence, complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) are often used by patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), sometimes in combination with conventional medications, according to a review study. With scarce evidence on the safety and effectiveness of CAM in ALS and the possible risks they…
RNA molecules that are associated with genetic disorders characterized by damage to nerve fibers are found at higher-than-usual numbers in compartments of nerve cells, a new study reports. This finding may lead to new ways of treating neuromuscular diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal muscular atrophy and…
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severe progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with the loss of motor neurons, which transmit signals from the brain to the voluntary muscles to contract. Without these, muscles begin to weaken, leading to a progressive loss of control over movement, speaking, eating, and breathing. There…
Tiglutik, an oral suspension of riluzole, is now available as a treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the U.S., ITF Pharma, the therapy’s developer and a subsidiary of Italfarmaco, recently announced. Rilutek (riluzole, marketed by Sanofi), has been available in the U.S. as 50 mg tablets…
Researchers have discovered that mast cells and neutrophils — two types of immune cells — are involved in the degeneration of peripheral motor nerve cells and progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These findings also clarify why masitinib — an investigational therapy for ALS that targets mast cells…
The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) will host its 18th annual Wings Over Wall Street benefit Oct. 17 to raise funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research with the ultimate goal of defeating the disease, the nonprofit announced. Presented by Investors Exchange and emceed by ABC affiliate…
The communication between motor neurons and muscles, which allow us to control our movements, is more dynamic than previously thought, a new study with zebra fish shows. Researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden discovered that adult motor neurons can switch their messenger, or neurotransmitter, in response to increased…
Investigational compound EPI-589 was found to be safe and well-tolerated, improved biomarkers of neuroinflammation, and showed signs of slowing disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, according to a completed Phase 2a clinical trial. BioElectron Technology Corporation’s EPI-589, or (R)-troloxamide quinone, is a 250 mg immediate-release, film-coated…
Bulbar-onset amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of the disease among patients 80 and older at disease onset, a factor that seems to contribute to shorter survival for these patients compared with younger ALS patients, a retrospective study has found. The study, “Very late-onset amyotrophic…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given positive feedback to MediciNova’s Phase 3 developmental plan for its investigational therapy ibudilast (MN-166) for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Following the FDA’s guidance and suggestions, the company will design a trial that determines the maximum benefit of the treatment,…
