Target ALS was proud to participate in the Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS) Meeting, where we shared two pivotal research initiatives that are reshaping the landscape of ALS research and accelerating progress toward effective treatments. Here are the highlights: Global Natural History Study: Our study is transforming ALS research by addressing diversity, intending to enroll more than 800 ALS participants and 200 healthy controls across 18 global sites. To date, 171 participants have been enrolled, including 93 ALS participants and 78 healthy controls, with 102 participants already completing the study. Over 15,000 longitudinal biofluid samples (plasma, serum, urine, and CSF) have been collected and can be requested. Associated clinical and genetic data and speech and motor data collected using innovative digital health technologies, from the Natural History Study can be explored at no cost through the Target ALS Data Engine. We are thrilled about the increased participation of ALS patients from Hispanic and Latino communities - thanks to our amazing clinical teams at the University of Puerto Rico and Instituto Roosevelt, Bogota Colombia, and to Dr. Robert Bowser and Judith Chavira, the Outreach Program Manager at Barrow Neurological Institute. Multicenter Human Postmortem Tissue Core: This initiative provides ALS researchers with unparalleled access to high-quality postmortem tissues, including samples from 292 ALS cases, 39 FTD cases, and 110 non-neurological controls. With over 50,000 biosamples banked and distributed to over 300 labs worldwide, the tissue core spans six sites and includes robust genomic and pathological data. These resources are shared without intellectual property restrictions, fostering collaboration and accelerating the discovery of biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Impact on ALS Research: We have made tremendous progress in advancing ALS research, providing invaluable resources to scientists all over the globe, and driving innovations that are bringing us closer to effective treatments. However, the work is far from over. ALS remains a complex and urgent challenge, and we are unwavering in our dedication to breaking down barriers, fostering collaboration, and accelerating discovery. Together, we can build a future where #EveryoneLives. Read more: https://bit.ly/3VaUZXE #ALSResearch #NEALS2024 #DataDrivenImpact #ALS #Collaboration Thank you to our principal investigators for making this progress possible: Robert Bowser, Shafeeq Ladha, Timothy Miller, Cindy Ly, Neil Shneider, Matthew Harms, Bjorn Oskarrson, John Ravits, Michael Weiss, Lydia Sharp, James Orengo, James Berry, Brent Harris, Nicholas Streicher, Senda Ajroud-Driss, Valerie Wojna, Martha Peña Preciado, Marc Gotkine, Colin Smith
