ALS Researchers - Introduction
JavaScript or Flash Player Not Detected
This ALS banner requires Flash player 7 or higher or javascript.
PLEASE NOTE:
As of November 23, 2009, ALS Canada has a new address and phone number:
3000 Steeles Avenue East, Suite 200
Markham, Ontario L3R 4T9
Phone: 905-248-2052   Fax: 905-248-2019

ALS Researchers - Introduction

The ALS Society of Canada mission is to fund research for a cure for ALS. 

Since 2000 we have funded research in partnership with Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

This NEUROMUSCULAR RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP works with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to fund excellent and relevant research.

We fund only the most promising projects by the finest scientists and, over the years, this strategy has been rewarded with significant advances in our knowledge of ALS. With the acceleration of results due to advances in neurology and other areas of science, we know that, effective therapies and a cure are now, more than ever, within reach.

For decades, Canadian researchers have been world leaders in the search for the causes, cures and treatment of muscular dystrophy and other neuromuscular disorders.  

Seventh Neuromuscular Research Partnership Competition
For more information click the link below:
http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/30082.html

Specific Objectives and Eligible Research Areas
The specific objective of this request is:

To collectively fund health research by providing operating grants in the area of neuromuscular disorders which will ultimately result in discovering the cause, treatments and an eventual cure for these disorders.
The following broad categories of research are eligible for funding:

  • Basic research involving muscle or nerve biology relevant to neuromuscular disease.
  • Focused research directed toward an understanding of neuromuscular disease.
  • Applied research encompassing research designed specifically to translate promising research advances from basic research and focused research into pre-clinical and clinical investigations relevant to treatment of neuromuscular disease, but not including drug trials.

There are over 100 neuromuscular disorders within the following broad categories:·
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Spinal muscular atrophies
Diseases of the neuromuscular junction
Muscular dystrophies (e.g., Duchenne, Becker)
Inflammatory myopathies
Myotonia
Metabolic or endocrine diseases of muscle
Congenital myopathies
Other disorders

FOR ALL OTHER INFORMATION AND APPLICATION PROCESS

ALS Research News - The latest ALS als research articles.
1.  Abnormal SOD1 folding is unique to familial ALS, researchers say

Mutations in the gene encoding superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) cause up to 20 per cent of inherited ALS cases (familial ALS). They’ve even been observed in a small fraction of sporadic cases. It has bee ◊

"Abnormal SOD1 folding is unique to familial ALS, researchers say"
2.  Swimming-based exercise preserves motor neuron function

Whether exercise predisposes to or protects against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a topic of ongoing debate. ◊

"Swimming-based exercise preserves motor neuron function"
3.  Synapse formation can be triggered artificially

The formation of synapses – the junctions through which neurotransmitters relay chemical signals allowing neurons to communicate information – typically requires contact between presynaptic and postsy ◊

"Synapse formation can be triggered artificially"
4.  Phase 3 talampanel trial begins

Talampanel, a drug currently not approved in Canada or the United States, is undergoing an international Phase 3 trial involving 500 patients with ALS in centres across Europe, Canada and the US. In a ◊

"Phase 3 talampanel trial begins"
5.  Genetic contributors to motor neuron diseases

The recent discovery of a number of genes known to cause motor neuron diseases such as ALS has provided new insights into the mechanisms underlying motor neuron degeneration, according to a recent art ◊

"Genetic contributors to motor neuron diseases"
6.  Defining survival as an outcome measure for clinical trials in ALS

Clinical trials in ALS often use patient survival as an outcome measure to examine whether a treatment prolongs life. But variables affecting survival rates – such as emergency tracheostomy – are dif ◊

"Defining survival as an outcome measure for clinical trials in ALS"
7.  Encouraging trial results for KNS-760704

At the 20th Internal Symposium on ALS/MND, researchers presented the results of a Phase 2 clinical trial testing the safety and tolerability of a drug called KNS-760704 for use by ALS patients. KNS-7 ◊

"Encouraging trial results for KNS-760704 "
8.  Molecule discovered that might help ALS Patients

University of Texas researchers identified a molecule that reduces symptoms and prolongs life in mice with a type of ALS, according to a study in the Dec. 11, 2009, issue of Science. Lead author Eric ◊

"Molecule discovered that might help ALS Patients"