A new test to diagnose early stages of ALS
Official title: A diagnostic biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10837167 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new test to help spot early signs of ALS by looking for changes in a specific protein, which could help doctors diagnose the disease sooner and find people to join clinical trials.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,600,000 |
| NIH project number | 1U01FD008129-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10837167 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for ALS, particularly those with genetic predispositions or early signs of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced ALS or those without any familial or genetic risk factors for the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a diagnostic test for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) by targeting a specific protein involved in the disease. The approach involves creating monoclonal antibodies that can identify changes in the protein TDP-43, which is linked to ALS and Fronto-Temporal Dementia. By detecting these changes in patients before symptoms appear, the research aims to improve early diagnosis and facilitate patient recruitment for clinical trials. This could lead to better monitoring and understanding of the disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable earlier diagnosis of ALS, allowing for timely interventions and improved patient management.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in developing diagnostic tests for neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wong, Philip C — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Wong, Philip C
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.