They’re pushing to fast-track the trial of a new drug that slows down the progression of the disease.
Here in the UK in 2020, researchers found an important way that a gene involved in ALS deteriorates, which they may be able to use to develop a therapy. Currently no therapy exists to treat ALS.
They’ve also grown their own genes from the skin of ALS patients and reverse the damaging genetic bodies and proteins – one of the key traits of ALS.
Then in late 2021, scientists in Israel discovered a key gene that they found can later degenerate, the same way that ALS operates – and found a direct link between the two. They are hopeful of using that research to work on a reversal of that trigger, and they’ve even found a way to restart some of that cells that had begun to die.
And they’ve just discovered that stem cell therapy has some potential to slow the progression of ALS, and they’re looking into that right now.
“The science is really exciting, and I think that’s driving a lot of companies to have programs,” said Merit Cudkowicz, director of the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital. “I remember people telling me it was a dead-end career to go into ALS research. It’s a hot time to be an ALS scientist. They all want you.”
We’re getting somewhere. It’s all really encouraging. Now isn’t the time to slow down, though – quite the opposite! The ALS Association are are the largest private funder of ALS research in the world, yet they count on donations. Their efforts have led to some of the most promising and significant advances in ALS research, but they will continue to rely on the generosity of others to continue their work.
If you’re able, and you’re enjoying Daily Dose Day, I’d be so grateful if you’d consider making a donation to support their work. It helps fund their research, and takes us a step closer to that cure. There’s an easy way to donate through the button on this page, or via our Justgiving page (the button just takes you to the same place).
Thanks so much.
See also:
- Diabetic drug shows promise
- Scientists reverse key marker found in nearly every trace of the disease
- Breakthrough treatment could be game changer