MND / ALS
The three main UK charities supporting those affected by motor neurone disease (MND) have set out their priorities for 2024, with a focus on getting new treatments to patients. The MND Association, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and MND Scotland say they will work together this year to combine voices, knowledge and expertise in a bid [...]
Pharmaceutical company, Ferrer, has announced that its phase III clinical trial in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients did not meet primary or key secondary endpoints. The ADORE clinical trial is a multi-centre, multinational, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled phase III study to investigate the efficacy and safety of 100 mg edaravone (FAB122) once daily as an oral [...]
Researchers have shed new light on the causes of ALS through an investigation of a molecular anchor called VAP (vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein).
When experiencing new things, the structure and function of our neurons and their connections are rapidly being remodeled. This process, known as synaptic plasticity, is critical for us to learn and adapt. However, these changes require a lot of energy. Fortunately, our neurons are well-adapted to support these changes. Biological batteries known as mitochondria are strategically stabilized near sites of synaptic remodeling to ensure a local and efficient energy supply. However, how mitochondria are anchored near synapses was not known. A team of scientists at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience has now identified a molecular anchor called VAP that stabilises mitochondria near synapses to support these remodeling projects. The identification of VAP as a molecular anchor has particular significance because a mutation in VAP leads to ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a progressive motor neuroe degeneration disease. This discovery, published in Nature Communications, not only sheds light on how memories are powered but opens up new research directions into ALS pathology.
People living with motor neurone disease (MND) can now create bespoke digital artwork through an artificial intelligence (AI) art platform which harnesses the power of eye-gaze technology. Budding artists can quickly create and share bespoke artwork with just a few clicks by using the Mind’s Eye platform, which has given new opportunities for people with limited mobility to unleash their artistic talent. As well as sharing creations with friends and family, the tool can offer an alternative way of communicating and expressing thoughts and feelings.
New scheme bridges funding gap to encourage researchers continue the search for a cure to devastating MNDTwo ambitious early career researchers with a passion to investigate potential causes and therapies for motor neurone disease (MND) will receive a new type of funding through the MND Association’s new Pre-Fellowship scheme.
The first-of-its-kind Pre-Fellowship scheme for MND is funded by the MND Association and administered by MND Scotland.
Following a rigorous application process, Dr Alannah Mole, of the University of Sheffield, and Dr Emily Carroll, from the University of Oxford, have each been awarded a grant which provides 12-18 months of ‘pump priming’ funds under the scheme that aims to bridge a long-acknowledged funding gap.
Specialists at Eximius explore the condition, its impact, and care options available
Professor Dame Pamela Shaw joins to help advance development of its ALS/MND drug candidate SAM001
NR Times reports on the much-anticipated trial of ALS treatment AMX0035, in an interview with Machelle Manuel, head of global medical affairs at its creator Amylyx.
Recently approved for treating ALS in the US, AMX0035 is now the subject of a major phase 3 clinical trial taking place across the US and Europe. ALS is a relentlessly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder that up until recent decades was thought to be impossible to treat. While the cause of the condition is still uncertain, a new wave of treatments is coming to the fore. Sign up to NR Times to read our interview in full.
Cavendish Homecare discuss MND and the importance of planning for the disease in the final stages
Motor Neurone Disease research has long been underfunded, but the pathway towards better treatments - and potentially a cure - seems within reach. Over 2000 people are diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in the UK each year. In the US, this figure is closer to 10,000. Of these people, a third die within the [...]
