Biomechanics and Motion Analysis

New Drug trial for ALS patients

Principle Investigator: Eric J. Sorenson, M.D.
Project Coordinator: Diane Serfling, PT — serfling.diane@mayo.edu

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is often called Lou Gehrig’s disease because the famous baseball player had this disease.

ALS causes motor neurons in the brain (upper motor neurons) and spinal cord (lower motor neurons) to deteriorate, making it difficult for messages to get from the brain to the muscles. When motor neurons can no longer send messages to the muscles, the muscles weaken. When muscles do not receive the messages they need to function, they begin to waste away (atrophy). As ALS progresses, muscles become weaker until they are completely unable to move, resulting in paralysis.

The Mayo Clinic has been chosen to participate in a world wide, multi-center drug trial using Talampanel to treat patients with ALS. The drug will be evaluated for tolerability, safety, and effectiveness. The Motion Analysis Laboratory will be responsible for collecting data on strength changes through the one year trial.

The sponsor of this study is Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd.