From "ALS TODAY" Magazine:

Clearing the air on the DPS
by: Michelle Pflumm, PhD

A team of US doctors hopes to determine whether the NeuRX diaphragm pacing system (DPS) helps people with ALS breathe better and live longer by launching a randomized controlled clinical trial. http://bit.ly/15nGG5c

DPS point blank
by: Michelle Pflumm, PhD

SUNY’s Kirsten Gruis MD talks NeuRX diaphragm pacing system (DPS), the upcoming phase II randomized controlled clinical trial and the importance of the results towards treating ALS going forward. Tune into the podcast here http://bit.ly/17K7MRq

A Go for anti-NogoA
by: Michelle Pflumm, PhD

AP-HP’s Pierre-Francois Pradat MD PhD talks ozanezumab, the ongoing phase II clinical trial and its potential for ALS going forward. Tune into the podcast here http://blogs.als.net/post/2013/04/09/A-Go-For-anti-NOGO-A.aspx

SOD1 at 20
by: Michelle Pflumm, PhD

Twenty years ago this month, a team of more than 30 scientists at 13 research hospitals and universities reported the first gene, superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), linked to ALS. Click here to explore an interactive timeline of what we know now and where this discovery has taken us: http://blogs.als.net/post/SOD1-at-20.aspx

From "ALS TODAY" Magazine:

Gilenya - giving ALS the fingo?
by: Michelle Pflumm, PhD

An upcoming phase IIA trial asks whether Gilenya might have the potential to slow ALS by reducing T cell-mediated inflammation. Tune into the podcast here: http://blogs.als.net/post/2013/02/12/Gilenya-giving-ALS-the-fingo.aspx

From "ALS TODAY" Magazine:

Mexiletine – Channeling ALS?
by: Michelle Pflumm, PhD

An upcoming clinical trial asks whether the FDA-approved heart medicine Mexitil (mexiletine) might slow ALS by reducing hyperexcitability, a potential early step in the disease. Check out the feature and podcast here: http://blogs.als.net/post/2013/02/05/Mexiletine-channeling-ALS.aspx

From "ALS TODAY" Magazine:

ALS clinical trials, powering forward
by: Michelle Pflumm, PhD

Biogen Idec's Doug Kerr MD PhD talks dexpramipexole - the lessons learned and the development of future ALS medicines in the clinic going forward http://blogs.als.net/post/2013/01/16/ALS-clinical-trials-powering-forward.aspx

From "ALS TODAY" Magazine:

NP001: a quiet riot for ALS?
by: Michelle Pflumm, PhD

California Pacific Medical Center's Forbes Norris MDA Clinic Director Bob Miller MD talks NP001, its potential as a treatment for ALS and other drugs in the pipeline going forward. Tune into the podcast here: http://blogs.als.net/post/2012/12/17/NP001-a-quiet-riot-in-ALS.aspx

Webinar on the TDP-43 Mouse Model (link to recording from earlier this week)

Webinar on The TDP-43 Mouse Model
Featuring: Robert Baloh, Ph.D. (Washington University - St. Louis)
Fernando G. Vieira, M.D.(ALS TDI)

Over the last couple of years, a growing body of work has suggested that a genetic mutation leads to the mislocalization of TDP-43 outside of the nucleus of cells. Some research has linked this mutant protein activity to both familial as well as sporadic ALS. Our Institute has partnered with Dr. Baloh to develop a model of TDP-43 that could be used as a tool to screen potential therapeutics similar to the way that we developed and use the standard model of ALS; the SOD1 mouse. This 90 minute webinar provides an inside look into what TDP-43 is, why it is important, how this collaboration came about, how the experiment was designed, and where the team is in determining the phenotype of this mouse.

Click to view this important and in-depth discussion on TDP-43 and ALS

From "ALS TODAY" Magazine:

The oligodendrocyte, a new player in ALS?
by: Michelle Pflumm, Ph.D.

In people with ALS, the motor nerves deteriorate leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. Astrocytes and microglia, entrusted to support and protect these cells, turn traitor spewing out neurotoxic cytokines, contributing to disease progression.

ALS, however, is fueled by much more than a perfect storm of neurotoxic substances. Motor neurons face an energy crisis. And, scientists suspect, are without a plan B. Oligodendrocytes, which may help keep the power on in motor neurons, are also disappearing over the course of the disease.

Read more: http://blogs.als.net/post/2012/07/19/The-oligodendrocyte-a-new-player-in-ALS.aspx

ALS: Nuedexta, getting more than emotional?
by: Michelle Pflumm, PhD

One of the biggest fears for people with ALS is losing the ability to be speak. For many, this is a challenge that might be faced late into the disease. But for people with the bulbar-onset form of ALS, trouble speaking is amongst the first signs of the disease.

Now, US researchers are gearing up to evaluate a medicine that may help people with ALS retain some of this so-called bulbar control. The drug, called Nuedexta, is currently used in the US to help people, including those with ALS, to control their emotions.

Read more: http://blogs.als.net/post/2012/08/10/Nuedexta-getting-more-than-emotional.aspx

From "ALS TODAY" Magazine:

ALS: Much Ado About Oligodendrocytes
by: Michelle Pflumm, PhD

Oligodendrocytes are the tuners of the central nervous system, which busily insulate the nerves' axons to optimize the performance of the brain and spinal cord.

But when energy levels drop, these cellular handymen take on a second job. Oligodendrocytes supply nerve cells with energy-rich metabolites such as lactate to help keep the power on.

ALS Today's Michelle Pflumm PhD talked to Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine neuroscientist Klaus-Armin Nave PhD about oligodendrocytes, their emerging role in ALS and potential treatment strategies going forward.

Listen to 15 mins podcast here:http://blogs.als.net/post/ALS-Much-Ado-About-Oligodendrocytes.aspx