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Project ALS and Columbia University Start ALS Research Lab

May 30, 2006

A New York-based non-profit group said Monday it is opening a privately funded stem-cell lab focusing on treatments for neuron disorders.

The Columbia-based lab will seek to develop human cell based ALS assays and use stemcell derived motor neurons to screen drug candidates for ALS and spinal muscular atrophy in the hopes of find treatments for those suffering from motoron neuron diseases such as ALS.

"The Project ALS Lab is our latest, and most significant investment in stem cell research," said Valerie Estess, Project ALS's research director. "It is the necessary next step in forwarding scientific discovery, and, one day, stopping brain disease."

A long-term goal of the lab will be stem-cell transplantation studies that would be able to eliminate the affects of ALS on those affected.