Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) experience respiratory complications from their disease that can rapidly worsen and ultimately contribute to an early risk of death. In a paper published in the BMJ Open, researchers from South America presented a protocol for a randomized trial to study the effects of an optimized home-based respiratory care approach in patients with ALS.
Andrea Peet has seven swallow birds tattooed on her left arm underneath her elbow. The birds are a light blue color and one of them even has a mask on its beak to signify the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic year.
Two years ago, Holly Gross was diagnosed with ALS, a disease she calls ‘a monster with no mercy.’ As her husband struggles with Parkinson’s, it’s her sons who mostly take care of her. She can’t use her voice, but she talks to them. She can’t move, but she keeps them on track. All they want now is more time with her.
During his 17-year career with the New York Yankees, Lou Gehrig was famed for his prowess as a hitter and for his durability on the baseball field, which earned him his nickname "The Iron Horse.” Then, mysteriously, in 1938, his iron body began to figuratively rust. He couldn’t run, hit, or field his position as well as he once did. When doctors finally diagnosed his condition, the news was devastating.
As Verge Genomics plugs away at its amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) program, it is teaming up with Eli Lilly to pursue even more targets for new treatments against the devastating disease.
The neuroscience-focused drug discoverer will pick up $25 million in an upfront fee, equity and near-term payments but stands to collect up to $694 million down the line. Under the three-year deal, Verge will use its artificial-intelligence-powered drug discovery platform to identify new targets of which Lilly may select up to four to push into clinical development and commercialization.
“As heartbreaking as this disease is, I’ve met so many people who’ve been affected by it the last few years and they’re always upbeat, always positive, always saying they’re going to beat it,” Nola said.