Programming Cells to Produce Neuroprotective Factors to Treat ALS
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. As motor neurons die, people with the condition grow weaker and lose motor function. For most, death occurs within three to five years of diagnosis. Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics is conducting a phase 3 clinical trial of its autologous stem cell therapy that programs cells taken from patients to produce neuro-protective factors that promote the survival of neurons. We spoke to Ralph Kern, chief operating officer and chief medical officer of Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics, about ALS, the company’s late-stage experimental therapy, and how its approach may provide benefits for patients with other neurodegenerative disease.