A late-stage trial of Biogen Inc.’s experimental treatment for an inherited form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) failed to reach the study’s main goal, but secondary measures and biomarkers showed favorable trends, the company said on Oct. 17.

Alexion, the unit within global pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca that focuses on finding treatments for rare diseases, is halting clinical trials for Ultomiris (ravulizumab) for adults with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Amylyx Pharmaceuticals announced an infusion of $135 million in Series C funds to support the late-stage development of the Boston-based company’s lead candidate, AMX0035, for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). 

AB Science announced the publication of long-term follow-up data showing that the company’s lead compound, masitinib, extended survival in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients by 25 months compared to placebo when treatment was started early. 

Researchers at Northwestern University identified a compound that appears to reverse the ongoing degeneration of upper motor neurons associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

A Phase III trial of NurOwn (MSC-NTF cells), BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics’ investigational therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, did not find a statistically significant difference between the product and placebo for improving scores on a revised ALS functional rating scale (ALSFRS-R) that measures the severity of the disease.

With $30 million in Series A funding, Tranquis Therapeutics launches with a mission of revolutionizing the management of neurodegenerative and aging-related diseases through the advancement of a novel immuno-neurology treatment approach.

Yumanity Therapeutics and Merck signed a strategic research and license deal for two Yumanity programs. The two preclinical programs are for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar dementia (FTLD).

Denali Therapeutics and development partner Sanofi announced data from the Phase Ib trial of DNL747 in Alzheimer’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). After apparent disappointing results, the companies have chosen to pause the studies with the drug and shift their resources to a similar drug, DNL788, for the same indications.

Cambridge, Mass.-based QurAlis Corporation increased the company’s financial footing following a $42 million Series A financing round that will be used to support the continued development of therapeutic drugs for ALS and genetically related frontotemporal dementia (FTD).