Measuring the levels of a novel protein biomarker called C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 — CXCL12 for short — in the spinal fluid may improve the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by better differentiating it from similar conditions, according to a new study. In particular, the…

A strategy that simultaneously targets motor neurons, astrocytes, and microglia — three cell types involved in the development and progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — was shown to further extend survival in a mouse model of the disease. Specifically, targeting the three cell types at the same time…

S-oxprenolol, an investigational therapy being developed by Actimed Therapeutics to treat muscle wasting in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has been granted orphan drug status in the U.S. That designation, awarded by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, is given to therapies intended to treat rare diseases, like ALS, that…

EverythingALS has launched a new version of its mobile app that now includes community support, artificial intelligence-powered chat assistance, and enhanced research opportunities to better serve people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and their caregivers. The app, which was previously designed only for people taking part in observational…

Monepantel, a veterinary drug that PharmAust is repurposing for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), continues to slow disease progression and extend survival when taken daily for up to nearly two years, while being generally well tolerated by patients. That’s according to interim results from an open-label extension…

Two U.S. representatives have introduced legislation that would establish a federally funded research program to study the link between environmental factors and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases. The Harmonizing Environmental Analyses and Launching Therapeutic Hubs to Yield Bolstered Research and Innovation in Neurological Science (Healthy…

Targeting two particular proteins, called H1.2 and PARP1, may lessen the severity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) linked to mutations in the FUS gene, a study shows. Researchers found that a severe FUS mutation increased the interaction of the resulting FUS protein with both H1.2 and PARP1, which is involved in…

A consortium of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) nonprofits and industry stakeholders has launched Project Mosaic, an initiative that aims to advance next-generation, patient-derived cell models that more accurately represent ALS’ complex and diverse nature. By moving these ALS models from academic labs to industry, Project Mosaic aims to…

Two amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) centers are backing an initiative aimed at accelerating and improving ALS research. The Acceleration Centers of Enrollment (ACE) initiative, led by the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine and the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital, will…

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is accepting applications for its Advocacy Collaboration Grant program, which supports projects from organizations working to improve the lives of people with neuromuscular diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).  Applications for this year’s program are open until Oct. 18, and…