New ALS therapy created by an IU researcher

Indiana – A new ALS therapy has been created by a researcher at Indiana University (IU).

A fresh secretome therapy based on stem cells has been created by IU researcher Chandler Walker, Ph.D. IU defines a secretome as the tissue or cell secretions that can be obtained for therapeutic or other uses.

The central nervous system’s upper and lower motor neurons gradually deteriorate and die as a result of the rare neurodegenerative disease ALS, according to authorities. This disease predominantly affects the nerve cells that control voluntary muscular movement. According to a news release, the loss of motor neurons is a defining feature of ALS, but other brain and spinal cord cells, peripheral myelinating cells, and skeletal muscle also contribute to the development of the illness.

Walker said, “For neural disorders and diseases like ALS, a multi-factorial approach to therapy is the most beneficial for patients. This secretome therapy could also have a therapeutic effect for other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.”

Thanks to $700,000 in funding from Neurodegenerative Disease Research, according to IU, Walker and his colleagues will continue their research on the therapeutic composition of the secretome in the hopes of one day developing a medication for ALS patients that is ready for the clinic.

Officials claim Walker has also collaborated with the Cell and Gene Therapy Manufacturing Center at the Indiana University School of Medicine to produce and optimize ASC secretome in preparation for FDA approval and a Phase I clinical trial. According to the latest press release, Walker is certain that the group will have clinical-grade ASC secretome available for use in clinics within the next six to twelve months.