Mitigating Trial Risk In ALS Clinical Development

Although relatively rare (5/100,000 in the USA), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating, progressive and ultimately fatal neurodegenerative disease that profoundly impacts patients and their families. 

The development of new treatments has been slow, with only two approved disease-modifying drugs that offer limited benefit. But significant advances in immuno-neurology have set the stage for promising novel treatments that could offer hope to these families and change the course of this disease.

The lack of available treatments for ALS has led many ALS patients to view clinical research as the best available care option. That can make it easier for sponsors to attract patients to their trials.

Though, while they may be generally eager to participate, researchers still have take the time to understand the unique needs of these patients and their families so they can make participation feasible and strengthen engagement. That requires thoughtful upfront planning, and a clear understanding of the obstacles patients face when participating in an ALS trial.