Tag Archives: Lou Gehrig disease

Biogen Idec Discontinues Work on ALS Drug

A company called Biogen Idec has decided to discontinue work on an experimental drug that was designed to treat Lou Gehrig’s disease (which is also called A.L.S.). The drug failed to work in a late stage clinical trial. There is another company that is continuing to work on a different drug for the disease. Lou Gehrig’s disease is also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This long, multi-syllabic, name is often shortened to A. L. S. when it is discussed. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and in the spinal cord. According to the ALS … Continue reading →

What Is Lou Gehrig Disease?

The disease commonly known as Lou Gehrig disease is officially known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS. It is also called Charcot disease or motor neuron disease. Basically, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive disease that damages motor neurons — the specialized cells in the spinal cord and brain stem that control muscle movement. As the disease progresses, muscle control degenerates. The initial signs of Lou Gehrig disease are subtle — minor enough that they can easily be overlooked. Early symptoms may include muscle twitching, muscle cramping, stiff muscles, or weakness. As the disease progresses, a person’s speech may become … Continue reading →