#United States #Los Angeles #ALS Research #ALS Network #ALS United

Groundbreaking Research Grants Announced by ALS Network

On November 20, 2025, the ALS Network, teaming up with 12 member organizations from ALS United, revealed its selected cohort for the prestigious 2025 Research Innovation Grants. This annual grant program is dedicated to supporting researchers devoted to combating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) through cutting-edge science and innovative approaches. The latest awardees, an accomplished group of scientists and clinicians, represent a diverse range of disciplines including genetics, environmental studies, regenerative medicine, and biomarker discovery.

Sheri Strahl, MPH, MBA, the president and CEO of the ALS Network, expressed her optimism: "Every research partnership moves us closer to breakthroughs that the ALS community urgently needs. We support revolutionary, transformative science that strengthens our shared path toward effective treatments and, ultimately, cures." This sentiment affirms the organization's steadfast commitment to not only advancing scientific discovery but also translating these findings into meaningful advancements for those living with ALS.

The 2025 grant recipients will undertake various projects that promise to elevate our understanding and management of ALS. Here’s a look at some of the cutting-edge investigations included in this year's grants:

1. Sandra Almeida, PhD from the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School aims to investigate TDP-43 dysfunction in a three-dimensional model of C9ORF72-ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
2. Frederick Arnold, PhD from Washington University in St. Louis will explore hyperphosphorylation of tau serine 262 as a novel biomarker and target for therapy in ALS.
3. Claire Clelland, PhD, MD will conduct rapid screening for AAV delivery of C9orf72 gene therapy at the University of California San Francisco.
4. Richard Daneman, PhD, along with John Ravits, MD at the University of California San Diego, will conduct a multi-omic analysis of cerebrovascular changes in ALS patients.
5. Faranak Fattahi, PhD and Sarah Kishinevsky, PhD from UCLA are set to evaluate glioprotective small molecules as potential ALS therapies.

Other notable researchers include Clotilde Lagier-Tourenne, Timothy Miller, and Marc Weisskopf, who will tackle vital areas of ALS research, focusing on understanding, diagnostics, and innovative therapy routes right from molecular to clinical applications.

These grants not only support scientific exploration but also signify a collective surge in commitment to ALS research at a time when federal funding constraints are prevalent. As Cassy Adams, Executive Director of ALS Northwest, mentioned, "We are proud to invest in research that has the potential to transform the future of ALS. It reflects our belief that strategic, collaborative funding can accelerate progress."

The ALS Network's research initiative aims to streamline funding efforts, consolidating resources to maximize impact and ensuring that innovators in ALS research can work cohesively without the burden of duplicated infrastructure and costs. By doing so, this program significantly enhances the financial support available for groundbreaking ALS research. As more localized ALS organizations join the cause, the potential for transformative discoveries grows exponentially.

This collaborative framework exemplifies the shared vision of ALS United: "Together, we end ALS." Many of the organizations involved have roots that extend over forty years within the ALS community, embodying a rich legacy of support and innovation. This reinforces their unified approach toward providing assistance and advocating for policies that enhance the well-being of ALS patients nationwide.

To learn more about this year’s grants and the ongoing research endeavors funded by the ALS Network, visit alsnetwork.org/research. Knowledge gained through these endeavors will be instrumental in paving the way toward improved care and eventual treatments that address the urgent needs of individuals living with ALS.