|
# # # # Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (or ALS) is the third most common neurodegenerative condition. It is characterised by the loss of motor neurons, which leads to loss of muscle control. As with Parkinson’s, there is no cure for ALS, and there are only two FDA approved therapies for the condition. Recently, a biotech company – called Amylyx Pharmaceuticals – announced positive Phase II clinical trial results with their experimental combination therapy AMX0035. In today’s post, we will discuss what ALS is, explore the results of the AMX0035 trial, and consider why this could be an important development for Parkinson’s as well. # # # # |
Lou Gehrig. Source: NBC
In 1969, Henry Louis “Lou” Gehrig was voted the greatest first baseman of all time by the Baseball Writers’ Association. During his career, he played 17 seasons with the New York Yankees, having signed with his hometown team in 1923.
For 56 years, he held the record for the most consecutive games played (2,130), and he was only prevented from continuing that streak when he voluntarily took himself out of the team lineup on the 2nd May, 1939, after his ability to play became hampered.
A little more than a month later (at age 36) he retired from the game – his farewell being capped off by his iconic “Luckiest man on the face of the Earth” speech:
And sadly, less than two years later he passed away from the disease that now bears his name: Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Or as it is more commonly known as motor neuron disease.
What exactly is motor neuron disease?
The Science of Parkinson's 