ALS treatment

Protein interaction may lead to new strategy for treatment of ALS

By taking advantage of a molecular interaction between the disease-related protein TDP-43 and another, innocuous protein, scientists have found a novel strategy that potentially may be used as a treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). “Importantly, this interaction could be key to unlocking a treatment not just for ALS…

Radicava Oral Suspension added to drug plans of 2 Canadian provinces

Two Canadian provinces — Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador — are covering the cost of the oral formulation of Radicava (edaravone) for eligible residents with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Patients will have access through their provincial drug plans to Radicava Oral Suspension, developed along with…

FDA advisory committee votes against NurOwn approval for ALS

In a nearly unanimous vote, an advisory committee to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said there’s not enough evidence to support the efficacy of the experimental stem cell therapy NurOwn as a treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The committee voted on a single question in its meeting: “Do…

Diarrhea a barrier to using common ALS medication: Surveys

Note: This story was updated Aug. 22, 2023, to correct there are four ALS approved therapies widely available in the U.S. Diarrhea associated with a common amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) treatment could be a substantial barrier to complying with the medication, according to surveys by Napo Pharmaceuticals. While…

Radicava ORS fares well in Phase 3 clinical trial

Note: This story was updated March 10, 2023, to correct a secondary headline to note the therapy was tracked for less than a year. The story also clarifies the timing of results from a Phase 3 clinical trial and that edaravone is believed to reduce oxidative stress. Radicava ORS, an…

Big Data a Source of Better ALS Insights, Trials, and Hope

Healthcare has long harnessed the power of big data. Examples range from the Human Genome Project, a worldwide 13-year effort to map DNA, to the adoption of electronic medical records— allowing doctors to quickly access patient information at points of care — and the rise of personalized medicine, which tailors…