ALS Network and Livermore Lab Embark on Groundbreaking Research to Combat ALS and Parkinson's Diseases
The ALS Network, previously known as ALS Golden West, has recently announced a significant collaborative research initiative aimed at tackling the complexities of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson's diseases. This ambitious project, which involves a funding total of $300,000, brings together several esteemed organizations, including the ALS CURE Project, Livermore Lab Foundation, RDM Positive Impact Foundation, and Stanford University. The cornerstone of this research is the renowned Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, a leader in scientific exploration and innovation.
Dr. Priyadip Ray leads the project at the Livermore Lab Foundation, partnering with a distinguished team of experts from Stanford University and UCLA, including Dr. Richard Reimer, Dr. Jennifer Wilson, and Dr. Kevin Grimes. Their primary objective is to delve into the environmental factors that influence the progression of ALS and Parkinson's diseases, with a particular focus on understanding how various medications affect these conditions.
Dr. Ray emphasizes the importance of identifying off-target effects of medications, stating, "While drugs are typically designed with specific therapeutic targets, they might also influence disease progression in unintended ways. Our overarching aim is to explore these associations, particularly using electronic health records (EHRs) as our data source."
This research builds upon previous studies that examined EHRs from over 20,000 veterans diagnosed with ALS. Strikingly, veterans develop ALS at nearly 1.5 times the rate of the general population, prompting a need to understand the reasons behind this discrepancy. Initial studies linked several medications to longer survival rates, yet the unique demographic profile of the veteran patients raised questions about the results' general applicability to the broader population.
To address these limitations, the research will now utilize the Optum EHR dataset, which encompasses millions of patient records. According to Dr. Ray, this expansive dataset will enable the team to create a longitudinal study on ALS patients, allowing for more robust analyses of drug impacts. The introduction of machine learning tools from LLNL will further enhance their ability to identify potential candidates for drug repurposing that could slow the progression of ALS.
Additionally, the RDM Positive Impact Foundation is contributing to the study by supporting parallel work focused on Parkinson's disease, utilizing the same Optum EHR dataset. This integrated approach is expected to reveal common patterns and similarities between the two neurodegenerative diseases, potentially accelerating therapeutic advancements across both conditions.
Significantly, approximately $35,000 of the funded project originates from the ALS Network’s research program, which is dedicated to pioneering advancements in a domain that historically lacks positive outcomes. This funding comes from a strategic partnership with ALS United, a coalition of scientists and researchers pooling resources for cutting-edge scientific inquiries. The ALS Network’s Scientific Advisory Committee, composed of leading researchers in the field, meticulously reviews and selects promising projects for support.
Sheri Strahl, the president and CEO of the ALS Network, commented, "Our research-funding model is not only ambitious but also driven by the urgent need for innovation in treatment discovery. By empowering our research partners with funding, we hope to foster significant breakthroughs in the search for effective treatments and, ultimately, cures for ALS."
ALS, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a fatal illness that progressively impairs the ability to move, speak, swallow, and breathe, resulting in complete paralysis over time. Notably, those who have served in the military are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS compared to the general population, highlighting the pressing nature of this study.
The ALS Network's mission is to collaborate with the ALS community in advancing research efforts aimed at prevention, treatment, and eventual cures, while ensuring access to quality care and fostering health outcomes. For anyone interested in learning more about ALS or the ALS Network's initiatives, further information can be accessed via their website at alsnetwork.org.
The ALS CURE Project, an all-volunteer charity, was established to lead and support ALS research, driven by the commitment of its founders, Mike and Stephen Piscotty, in memory of Gretchen Piscotty, who passed away due to the disease. The organization has contributed over $4 million to international research and brings together scientists from across the globe at their annual ALS Innovation Symposium.
This novel collaboration between the ALS Network and its partners at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory signals a promising step forward in the fight against ALS and Parkinson's diseases, with aspirations to reveal new treatment pathways and improve patient outcomes. As the research progresses, both the scientific community and the wider public will be watching closely for the vital advancements that may emerge from this undertaking.
Dr. Priyadip Ray leads the project at the Livermore Lab Foundation, partnering with a distinguished team of experts from Stanford University and UCLA, including Dr. Richard Reimer, Dr. Jennifer Wilson, and Dr. Kevin Grimes. Their primary objective is to delve into the environmental factors that influence the progression of ALS and Parkinson's diseases, with a particular focus on understanding how various medications affect these conditions.
Dr. Ray emphasizes the importance of identifying off-target effects of medications, stating, "While drugs are typically designed with specific therapeutic targets, they might also influence disease progression in unintended ways. Our overarching aim is to explore these associations, particularly using electronic health records (EHRs) as our data source."
This research builds upon previous studies that examined EHRs from over 20,000 veterans diagnosed with ALS. Strikingly, veterans develop ALS at nearly 1.5 times the rate of the general population, prompting a need to understand the reasons behind this discrepancy. Initial studies linked several medications to longer survival rates, yet the unique demographic profile of the veteran patients raised questions about the results' general applicability to the broader population.
To address these limitations, the research will now utilize the Optum EHR dataset, which encompasses millions of patient records. According to Dr. Ray, this expansive dataset will enable the team to create a longitudinal study on ALS patients, allowing for more robust analyses of drug impacts. The introduction of machine learning tools from LLNL will further enhance their ability to identify potential candidates for drug repurposing that could slow the progression of ALS.
Additionally, the RDM Positive Impact Foundation is contributing to the study by supporting parallel work focused on Parkinson's disease, utilizing the same Optum EHR dataset. This integrated approach is expected to reveal common patterns and similarities between the two neurodegenerative diseases, potentially accelerating therapeutic advancements across both conditions.
Significantly, approximately $35,000 of the funded project originates from the ALS Network’s research program, which is dedicated to pioneering advancements in a domain that historically lacks positive outcomes. This funding comes from a strategic partnership with ALS United, a coalition of scientists and researchers pooling resources for cutting-edge scientific inquiries. The ALS Network’s Scientific Advisory Committee, composed of leading researchers in the field, meticulously reviews and selects promising projects for support.
Sheri Strahl, the president and CEO of the ALS Network, commented, "Our research-funding model is not only ambitious but also driven by the urgent need for innovation in treatment discovery. By empowering our research partners with funding, we hope to foster significant breakthroughs in the search for effective treatments and, ultimately, cures for ALS."
ALS, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, is a fatal illness that progressively impairs the ability to move, speak, swallow, and breathe, resulting in complete paralysis over time. Notably, those who have served in the military are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with ALS compared to the general population, highlighting the pressing nature of this study.
The ALS Network's mission is to collaborate with the ALS community in advancing research efforts aimed at prevention, treatment, and eventual cures, while ensuring access to quality care and fostering health outcomes. For anyone interested in learning more about ALS or the ALS Network's initiatives, further information can be accessed via their website at alsnetwork.org.
The ALS CURE Project, an all-volunteer charity, was established to lead and support ALS research, driven by the commitment of its founders, Mike and Stephen Piscotty, in memory of Gretchen Piscotty, who passed away due to the disease. The organization has contributed over $4 million to international research and brings together scientists from across the globe at their annual ALS Innovation Symposium.
This novel collaboration between the ALS Network and its partners at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory signals a promising step forward in the fight against ALS and Parkinson's diseases, with aspirations to reveal new treatment pathways and improve patient outcomes. As the research progresses, both the scientific community and the wider public will be watching closely for the vital advancements that may emerge from this undertaking.
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