In collaboration with Avanir Pharmaceuticals, we're pleased to announce a new research initiative for members diagnosed with
ALS experiencing pseudobulbar affect (PBA), also known as emotional lability.
Star Trial
As you know, people living with
ALS experience a number of disabling symptoms as a result of their illness. Many experience a neurologic disorder called PBA which is characterized by sudden and unpredictable episodes of crying, laughing or other emotional displays. PBA episodes are often incongruent or exaggerated relative to the patient's inner mood state or social context and can cause anxiety or embarrassment, frequently leading to increased social isolation.
More than a million people in the United States with neurologic diseases or injuries also have PBA — impacting their lives, and the lives of those close to them. An estimated 20% to 50% of patients diagnosed with
ALS suffer from PBA episodes.
Presently no medications have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of PBA. However, Avanir Pharmaceuticals is studying an investigational targeted PBA therapy known as Zenvia™ or AVP-923. The STAR trial, sponsored by Avanir Pharmaceuticals, is currently enrolling 180 adults diagnosed with
ALS exhibiting the signs and symptoms of PBA at approximately 40 study sites across the United States. You may be eligible to participate in this clinical research study.
Please visit
www.pbatrial.com to learn more about PBA and locate the nearest study site of the STAR trial. You can help make a difference for everyone with
ALS!
Regards,
The staff of Avanir Pharmaceuticals
Star Trial
Drug Trial for Emotional Lability 
