Our Progress to a Cure

The average life expectancy of someone with ALS is two to five years.  But there is hope, as there is evidence that people with ALS are already living longer, at least partially due to medical and pharmaceutical interventions such as riluzole (Rilutek®) and possibly other compounds, and drugs under investigation.

The ALS Association Chapters do many things for those with ALS, but the most far-reaching and with the most promise to change lives is the research they fund, which is dedicated to finding a cure for ALS. Today, thanks to the generous support of people like you, more than 400 scientists from leading institutions around the world are searching for treatments and a cure for ALS.

The ALS Association has funded significant research milestones in the fight against ALS including:

• The groundbreaking discovery of a genetic abnormality that is, to date, the most common cause known of ALS and FTD.

• The recent exciting finding involved in familial ALS shows how two proteins work together to buttress the survival of motor neurons.

• Discovery of the ALS gene, SOD1, responsible for 20 percent of all inherited ALS cases.

• Discovery of ALS6 in 2009, a new gene responsible for about 5% of all inherited ALS cases.

• The first clinical trial of ISIS-SOD1, a new drug that specifically targets the SOD1 gene.

There are several research studies past and present investigating possible risk factors that may be associated with ALS.  More work is needed to conclusively determine what genetics and/or environment factors contribute to developing ALS. You can view our most current research information here.

For more information on the most current clinical trials and research projects visit www.alsa.org. Please give $25 or more on line 414- ALS/Lou Gehrig’s Disease Research Fund on your California Tax Return.