AI Summary
Advances in ALS research have increased understanding of the disease, while patient activism aims to raise awareness and funding. European initiatives have been created to accelerate drug development and clinical trials.
Advances in research over the past few years have provided a greater understanding of the pathophysiology, genetics, and risk factors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Patient activism is also gaining momentum, with the aim of raising awareness and bolstering funding for further research. The urgent need to accelerate drug development and clinical trials has been the impetus behind the creation of several European initiatives, including the UK Motor Neuron Disease Research Institute (UK MND RI), the European Network for the Cure of ALS (ENCALS), and The European ALS Coalition.