THE PROJECT ALS MISSION
Project ALS identifies and funds the most promising scientific research that will lead to the first effective treatments and a cure for ALS. We recruit the world’s best scientists and doctors to work together—rationally and aggressively—to develop a better understanding of the ALS disease process and, in parallel, better therapeutic strategies.
Read about the latest updates in ALS research, and see the Project ALS research philosophy – something we’re proud to say has accelerated the pace of research.
WHAT'S NEW WITH PROJECT ALS
Models Make Medicines: How Project ALS’ Focus on Multidisciplinary Models is Revolutionizing ALS Therapy Development
ALS has been a notoriously difficult disease to address therapeutically because of its heterogeneity in the clinic. The progression and symptoms of ALS differ broadly from person to person, and though 10% of cases can now be linked to specific genetic mutations, the progression of ALS for any given mutation may still differ per person, and the 90% of ALS cases that are sporadic show wide variability as well. This
Motor Neurons in a Dish: The Scientific Breakthrough that Fundamentally Changed ALS Research
In order to prevent, treat, or cure diseases, scientists rely on methods for identifying consistent mechanisms behind disease, and efficiently testing potential therapies on a broad scale. A central goal of Project ALS has been to support research efforts that develop tools for studying ALS disease mechanisms, and therefore have long-term promise in the development of future therapies, diagnostics, and potential cures. ALS has been a historically difficult disease to
Viruses for Good, Not Evil: Tools for ALS Therapy Delivery
Motor neurons project out to the muscles in our limbs to drive muscle contraction, allowing us to speak, breathe, and move. These cells are housed in the spinal cord and brain. When someone has ALS, their motor neurons become unhealthy and die, making these cells the primary target for treating ALS. However, because motor neurons are located in the spinal cord and brain, they are difficult to apply therapies to