ALS Research and Clinical Trials |
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Researchers in the United States and around the world are working hard to figure out what causes ALS and how it affects the body so they can develop effective treatments and ultimately find a cure. They are studying the potential roles of gene mutations, environmental toxins, viruses, cell abnormalities, and much more.
Based on their findings, scientists develop and test compounds until they find a potential drug promising enough to test on people living with ALS.
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- What is ALS? - Early ALS Symptoms - Diagnosis Process - Types of ALS - Progression and Prognosis - What causes ALS? - Research and Clinical Trials - Approved ALS Drugs - Alternative Treatments |
ALS Clinical Trials
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Clinical trials are multiphase research studies that explore new treatments with volunteers who fit certain criteria. There are always active clinical trials looking for participants who have been diagnosed with ALS. ALS clinical trials continue to produce breakthroughs that move the needle closer to finding a cure.
Participating in a clinical trial is entirely up to you. Some people volunteer with the hope of getting a new treatment not yet available to the public that will slow progression, but keep in mind that trying an experimental drug can expose you to side effects and other risks. There is also the possibility that you will receive a placebo instead of the actual drug. |
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Before enrolling in any trial, always talk with your ALS neurologist. Ask questions to find out what each trial entails. You can learn more and search for clinical trials on the following websites:
Other ways to help advance ALS research
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The National ALS Registry is a database operated by the CDC that collects information from volunteers with ALS to help scientists learn more about the disease so they can develop treatments and find a cure. You can help make a difference by filling out a short survey. The information you submit goes into a secure database and will only be displayed as group information.
To help advance ALS research, you can also:
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ALS Research Organizations
Thanks to advocacy efforts and heightened awareness, research funding for ALS has increased in recent years. These are some of the main ALS research organizations in the United States:
- The ALS Association has a global research program that funds top ALS researchers and promising research projects around the world. Its research funding tripled after the Ice Bucket Challenge in 2014.
- The ALS Therapy Development Institute is a biotech nonprofit whose sole focus is developing treatments for ALS. Its Precision Medicine Program partners with ALS patients who volunteer to share information on their background and disease progression.
- The Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS) is an academic research consortium and research organization that translates scientific advances into clinical research and new treatments at its member medical institutions across the country.
- The Muscular Dystrophy Association has supported research on neuromuscular diseases, including ALS, for over 65 years. It funds national and international research conferences, clinical research training grants, and career development grants.
