ALS TDI’s ALS Research Collaborative (ARC) is a global initiative that partners with people with ALS to gather data about the disease to help us better understand the underlying biology of ALS and accelerate the discovery of treatments. Recently, ALS TDI announced a partnership with Unite Genomics, a healthcare data analytics company, that will allow us to integrate a new data source into the program – electronic health records (EHRs).  

Today, on Endpoints, we’re joined by Unite Genomics CEO Taner Dagdelen, to tell us more about what this collaboration entails, what researchers can learn from EHR data, and what this means for present and future ARC participants. 

ALS TDI’s <a href="https://www.als.net/news/bringing-toledo-together-to-take-on-als/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0" data-loopstyle="linkonly">ALS Research Collaborative</a> (ARC) is a global initiative that partners with people with ALS to gather data about the disease to help us better understand the underlying biology of ALS and accelerate the discovery of treatments. Recently, ALS TDI announced a partnership with Unite Genomics, a healthcare data analytics company, that will allow us to integrate a new data source into the program – electronic health records (EHRs).  
Today, on Endpoints, we’re joined by Unite Genomics CEO Taner Dagdelen, to tell us more about what this collaboration entails, what researchers can learn from EHR data, and what this means for present and future ARC participants.

The Endpoints Podcast features guests from the ALS community, including people living with ALS, researchers, advocates and fundraisers. Each episode cuts to the chase with short, digestible conversations about the latest research at ALS TDI and the most closely watched ALS clinical trials as well as stories from people living with ALS with their thoughts on research, healthcare and their journey with ALS.

The Endpoints Podcast is hosted by the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI) the world's foremost drug discovery lab focused solely on ALS. ALS TDI is a non-profit biotech with one mission. End ALS.

To access all episodes of the Endpoints Podcast, visit als.net/endpoints.

The <a href="https://www.als.net/endpoints/">Endpoints Podcast</a> features guests from the ALS community, including people living with ALS, researchers, advocates and fundraisers. Each episode cuts to the chase with short, digestible conversations about the latest research at ALS TDI and the most closely watched ALS clinical trials as well as stories from people living with ALS with their thoughts on research, healthcare and their journey with ALS.
The Endpoints Podcast is hosted by the <a href="https://www.als.net">ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI)</a>&nbsp;the world's foremost drug discovery lab&nbsp;focused solely on ALS. ALS TDI is a non-profit biotech with one mission. End ALS.
To access all episodes of the Endpoints Podcast, visit als.net/endpoints.

Endpoints

The Endpoints Podcast features guests from the ALS community, including people living with ALS, researchers, advocates and fundraisers. Each episode cuts to the chase with short, digestible conversations about the latest research at ALS TDI and the most closely watched ALS clinical trials as well as stories from people living with ALS with their thoughts on research, healthcare and their journey with ALS.

The Endpoints Podcast is hosted by the ALS Therapy Development, the largest drug discover center focused solely on ALS. Visit our website and register to access all Endpoints Podcast episodes.

The Endpoints Podcast features guests from the ALS community, including people living with ALS, researchers, advocates and fundraisers. Each episode cuts to the chase with short, digestible conversations about the latest research at ALS TDI and the most closely watched ALS clinical trials as well as stories from people living with ALS with their thoughts on research, healthcare and their journey with ALS.
The Endpoints Podcast is hosted by the <a href="https://www.als.net">ALS Therapy Development</a>, the largest drug discover center focused solely on ALS. Visit our website and register to <a href="https://www.als.net/endpoints/">access all Endpoints Podcast episodes.</a>

Endpoints Podcast

ALS TDI and Unite Genomics Partner to Bring Electronic Health Record Data into the ARC Study

We need more – likely many more – effective treatments to end ALS. Progress in ALS research has been too slow for too long but, in 2024, we’re witnessing significant advances and a new pace of progress. The past few years have see more treatments for ALS in clinical trials than ever before. Still, most drugs that reach trial fail, in any disease. However, the more experimental treatments that make it to trials – with good preclinical evidence to support them – the more likely there are to be successes.

Recently, we have even seen approvals for new ALS treatments, such as tofersen, a genetic treatment developed by Biogen for SOD1-related ALS, sold under the brand name Qalsody. Dr. Stephanie Fradette was one of the people behind milestone. As the VP Head of Neuromuscular Development at Biogen, she oversees the company’s research and development of treatments for ALS and related diseases.

Today, on Endpoints, Dr. Fradette joins us to talk about the current state of ALS research ­- the biggest challenges facing researchers, the developments that give her hope for the future, and how the ALS research community could better serve people with the disease.

We need more – likely many more – effective treatments to end ALS. Progress in ALS research has been too slow for too long but, in 2024, we’re witnessing significant advances and a new pace of progress. The past few years have see more treatments for ALS in clinical trials than ever before. Still, most drugs that reach trial fail, in any disease. However, the more experimental treatments that make it to trials – with good preclinical evidence to support them – the more likely there are to be successes.
Recently, we have even seen approvals for new ALS treatments, such as tofersen, a genetic treatment developed by Biogen for SOD1-related ALS, sold under the brand name Qalsody. Dr. Stephanie Fradette was one of the people behind milestone. As the VP Head of Neuromuscular Development at Biogen, she oversees the company’s research and development of treatments for ALS and related diseases.
Today, on Endpoints, Dr. Fradette joins us to talk about the current state of ALS research ­- the biggest challenges facing researchers, the developments that give her hope for the future, and how the ALS research community could better serve people with the disease.

Biogen's Dr. Stephanie Fradette on the Current State of ALS Research

In 1999, Stephen Heywood, who was 29 years old at the time, was diagnosed with ALS. His family was devastated when they learned that there were no treatments that could slow or stop his disease. His brother Jamie decided that he had to do something about it, founding the organization that would eventually become ALS TDI – the world’s first nonprofit biotech – in the basement of his parents’ Newton, MA home.

The first hire Jamie made as he worked to get this new organization off the ground was Rob Bonazoli. In those days, Rob was responsible for, in his words, “everything non-scientific.”  Part of this included building the team that would carry out Jamie’s lofty research goals.

Many of the people he helped recruit at that time are still with the organization twenty-five years later. Two of those early employees were Ken Thompson, now ALS TDI’s Vice President of Facility Operations, and Fernando Vieira, our CEO and Chief Scientific Officer.

Today, on Endpoints, we’re joined by Rob – as well as Ken and Fernando – to talk about what it’s been like to see ALS TDI grow from its humble beginnings to one of the world’s leading ALS research institutions.

In 1999, Stephen Heywood, who was 29 years old at the time, was diagnosed with ALS. His family was devastated when they learned that there were no treatments that could slow or stop his disease. His brother Jamie decided that he had to do something about it, founding the organization that would eventually become ALS TDI – the world’s first nonprofit biotech – in the basement of his parents’ Newton, MA home.
The first hire Jamie made as he worked to get this new organization off the ground was Rob Bonazoli. In those days, Rob was responsible for, in his words, “everything non-scientific.”  Part of this included building the team that would carry out Jamie’s lofty research goals.
Many of the people he helped recruit at that time are still with the organization twenty-five years later. Two of those early employees were Ken Thompson, now ALS TDI’s Vice President of Facility Operations, and Fernando Vieira, our CEO and Chief Scientific Officer.
Today, on Endpoints, we’re joined by Rob – as well as Ken and Fernando – to talk about what it’s been like to see ALS TDI grow from its humble beginnings to one of the world’s leading ALS research institutions.

ALS TDI's Early Years: Founding the First Nonprofit Biotech

Kids Quest to Cure ALS is an organization for kids, by kids. Their mission is to get young people involved in the fight against ALS. The group was founded by kids in the US and Canada – all of whom have been affected by a loved one’s ALS diagnosis. They are encouraging people under the age of 18 across both countries to band together to help raise funds for ALS research and bring awareness to the disease.

Today, on Endpoints, we’re joined by several members of the Kids Quest steering committee to tell us more about the inspiration behind their mission, and why it’s important to involve young people in the fight against ALS.

Kids Quest to Cure ALS is an organization for kids, by kids. Their mission is to get young people involved in the fight against ALS. The group was founded by kids in the US and Canada – all of whom have been affected by a loved one’s ALS diagnosis. They are encouraging people under the age of 18 across both countries to band together to help raise funds for ALS research and bring awareness to the disease.
Today, on Endpoints, we’re joined by several members of the Kids Quest steering committee to tell us more about the inspiration behind their mission, and why it’s important to involve young people in the fight against ALS.

ALS TDI and Unite Genomics Partner to Bring Electronic Health Record Data into the ARC Study

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