- More than 200,000 people around the world have ALS.
- There is currently no cure for the disease and most people die within three to five years from diagnosis.
- As much as 20% of ALS cases are caused by a mutation in the SOD1 gene.
- The U.S. FDA is evaluating a new drug called tofersen for people with SOD1-ALS and is expected to decide on the medication ruling on April 25.
More than 200,000 people globally have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — a progressive disease of the nervous system that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
There is currently no cure for ALS. Most people with the disease
In an effort to add to treatments available for ALS, pharmaceutical company Biogen is currently waiting to see if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will approve its investigational
The FDA is expected to issue its ruling on April 25, 2023.
ALS specifically targets a type of nerve cell called
As the motor neurons diminish, the nervous system is no longer able to send messages to the muscles, causing them to weaken and stop working.
Signs and symptoms of ALS include:
As the disease progresses, people with ALS will eventually not be able to stand or walk unaided. They will also be unable to use their hands and arms.
People with ALS may also experience difficulty speaking, eating, and breathing.
- Age — Although the disease can strike at any age, symptoms commonly develop between the ages of 55 and 75
- Gender — Men are more likely to develop ALS.
- Ethnicity — ALS affects people from all races and ethnic backgrounds but is more commonly seen in Caucasians and non-Hispanics.
The majority of ALS cases are considered sporadic, meaning they occur in people without a family history of the disease.
About 10% of ALS cases…
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