Why Progress in ALS Research Is Challenging

Advancing ALS research requires a deeper understanding of the disease and careful evaluation of potential treatments.

Complex disease biology

Different genetic and biological factors may contribute to motor neuron damage.

Variable disease progression

ALS progresses differently in each person, making treatment effects harder to measure.

Diagnostic challenges

No single test definitively diagnoses ALS in every patient.

Limited research samples

Collecting patient samples and detailed clinical information over time requires substantial resources.

Challenges in developing treatments

Promising laboratory findings must be reproduced and evaluated for safety and effectiveness before clinical use.

Funding gaps

Interruptions in funding can delay research and prevent promising discoveries from advancing.

Sustained funding helps move promising discoveries toward potential treatments.

Research Areas We Support

We support ALS research to understand the disease, improve diagnosis, and develop treatments. Each grant announcement outlines its specific funding priorities.

01 — Understanding ALS

Study genetic and environmental factors, nerve and support cells, protein and RNA function, metabolism, and inflammation.

02 — Earlier, More Accurate Diagnosis

Develop clinical tests, imaging methods, nerve and muscle assessments, digital tools, and biological markers.

03 — Developing Treatments

Explore medicines, biologics, gene and cell therapies, and approaches that regulate immunity or protect nerve cells.

04 — Clinical Research

Study disease progression, improve trial design, and measure treatment benefits using data from diverse patient populations.

05 — Improving Life for Patients

Improve communication, mobility, breathing, nutrition, and symptom management while supporting caregivers and quality of life.

Open Science  •  Rigorous Research  •  Patient Benefit