It seems amazing that more than two years have passed since the Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS captivated the imaginations of Americans.
Despite all the hubbub around the challenge, let’s not forget that this whole thing was raising funds and awareness about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Seeing what might come from all of this may make us glad we poured ice over our heads!
Sometimes referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, it is a progressive neurological condition that slowly erodes the body’s ability to control the muscles of the body. People frequently end up in wheelchairs or bedbound due to the severe limitations of body function.
Thankfully, there’s technology today that can help someone as their condition progresses. But that technology – and medical breakthroughs aimed at cures – is expensive.
However, the challenge seems that it may have been worth it. New research shows promise when dealing with this disease. Past treatments have had mixed results as they have predominantly focused on addressing only one of the numerous proteins and genes responsible for ALS.
A new medication by Genervon Biopharmaceuticals, GM6, offers a glimmer of hope as it addresses nearly 90 different genes involved in ALS. GM6 contains six amino acids that act on multiple fronts for generating and repairing pathways destroyed by the disease.
Results of this latest clinical trial show that GM6 is functioning against this disease on three fronts:
- reducing accumulation of toxins,
- protecting mitochondria,
- and activating growth and repair of neurons.
GM6 has already successfully completely Phase 1 and multiple Phase 2 clinical trials with ALS and related diseases. Phase 3 trials are expected to begin sometime in 2017.
To learn more about how to donate to or support ALS research, click here.
