Little benefit seen in ALS with nonpharmacological treatment for pain

The use of nonpharmacological treatment — interventions such as muscle exercise, aerobics, and strength training — did not significantly ease pain among people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to a review of published data from five clinical trials. The researchers noted, however, that while “pain in ALS patients…

MDA Awards $600K to Support Neuromodulator in Slowing ALS

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) has invested $600,000 in PathMaker Neurosystems to help bring a potential noninvasive neuromodulator for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) into an initial clinical trial. Funding through the MDA Venture Philanthropy (MVP) program will support an early feasibility study in a small…

Italian Scientist Using $20K Grant to Research TDP-43 Antibody Therapy

An Italian scientist was awarded $20,000 for research that may help pave the way for a TDP-43 antibody-based treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The annual Paulo Gontijo Award from the Brazilian Paulo Gontijo Institute was granted to Silvia Tozzi, PhD, for her research, titled “Monoclonal full-length antibody…

Could Thinking Outside the Box Lead to a Cure for ALS?

Shortly after emerging from the stupor that culminated in my ALS diagnosis, I was consumed with a zeal to learn all that I could about the millstone dangling heavily from my neck. Toward that end, I read everything I could lay my eyes upon, though some material was…