New drug may limit progression of genetic form of ALS

Results of a preliminary study have demonstrated that a new drug may limit the progression of a genetic form of ALS. The study’s findings were presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 71st Annual Meeting (PA, USA 4–10 May 2019). A tenth of all cases of ALS are genetic and of these, a fifth are caused by a mutation in the gene superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). “The resulting mutated protein is toxic and leads to ALS by damaging the nerve cells that control movement. Our research aimed to decrease the production of that protein,” explained author of the study, Timothy...