FDA Approves First Platform Trial Treatments
The Food & Drug Administration recently approved the first three experimental treatments for the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial.
Our Lois Insolia ALS Clinic at the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine is one of the participating sites for the platform trial, with enrollment expected to begin in Summer 2020.
“The green light from the FDA represents another step in the right direction, bringing us closer to the start of these trials,” shares Senda Ajroud-Driss, MD, Director of the Lois Insolia ALS Clinic.
“Obtaining a “May Proceed” notice from the FDA means there are no major issues with the study and the FDA agrees that we can move forward with the first three experimental treatments to be tested. This is a crucial step in providing more access and more options for people with ALS,” explains Sabrina Paganoni, MD, PhD, co-lead investigator for the Trial. Read more about the approved treatments and next steps>>
Better Edge Podcast on the Latest in ALS Research
Robert Kalb, MD, Director of our Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine, was recently interviewed on Better Edge, a Northwestern Medicine podcast for physicians, discussing the latest in ALS treatments and research.
“Over the past 40 years, we have discovered that a significant percentage of ALS is due to a mutation in a single gene,” explains Dr. Kalb.
Dr. Kalb goes on to detail his lab’s work involving misfolded proteins and the benefits of multidisciplinary care at our Lois Insolia ALS Clinic.
“We really have a unique set of physicians and scientists here at Northwestern with enormous amounts of expertise.” Listen to the full episode of the Better Edge podcast here>>
Coming Together For Support
Our free, monthly support groups allow members of our Les Turner ALS family to both give and receive emotional support and share information and practical experience with other families living with ALS.
Our support groups are led by the expert nurses and social workers on our Support Services Team and provide a welcoming environment and a sense of camaraderie with others who are on their own journey with ALS.
Last year, over 500 participants joined us at a support group! Whether you’re a person living with ALS, a caregiver, a loved one or a friend, you are not alone.
We currently offer monthly support group meetings in Barrington, Skokie, Wheaton and Chicago. Learn more and attend a support group in your area>>
