U of Study Finds New Approach to Slow Fatal Nerve Disease
University of Arizona researchers have identified an experimental drug that may protect nerve cells from damage caused by ALS. By targeting the abnormal clumping of the TDP-43 protein, the study offers a potential new pathway for treating both sporadic and inherited forms of the disease.
Why it matters
ALS is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with limited treatment options; identifying a mechanism to shield nerve cells could lead to life-extending therapies.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS, received widespread awareness in the summer of 2014 thanks to an Ice Bucket Challenge. Millions of people participated in the challenge, drenching themselves in ice cold water to bring visibility to this devastating neurodegenerative disease and generate charitable donations for research.
The article provides a straightforward summary of scientific research findings and quotes the lead researchers.
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