ICIS Open Science SM Card-ver2

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Phase I
Systems Architecture
Systems Architecture
Status: Completed
The Systems Architecture of ALS is published as a web based tool open to public.
Phase II
Publications
Publications
Status: Completed
A peer-reviewed paper from the ALS Initiative was published in 2025 in NATURE’s Systems Biology and Applications journal.
Phase III
In Silico Modeling
In Silico Modeling
Status: In Progress
In this phase, in silico modeling will develop mathematical models of ALS pathogenesis. This phase is in progress.
Phase IV
Combination Screening
Combination Screening
Status: Open
Combination Screening will be conducted to identify compounds targeting biological processes in ALS pathogenesis.
Phase V
Patents
Patents
Status: Open
In this phase, a US patent will be filed for the newly discovered combination(s).
Phase VI
Licensing and Manufacturing
Licensing and Manufacturing
Status: Open
The ALS Initiative will license and manufacture nutraceuticals to support treatment of ALS.

Background on ALS

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, specifically motor neurons responsible for voluntary muscle movement. As these motor neurons degenerate and die, the brain loses its ability to initiate and control muscle movements, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy, and eventually paralysis.The exact cause of ALS is not fully understood, but both genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role. In about 5–10% of cases, ALS is inherited (familial ALS), while the remaining 90–95% are sporadic, occurring without a clear family history. Risk factors may include age (most common between 40 and 70), gender (slightly more common in men), and exposure to certain toxins.Early symptoms of ALS may include muscle twitching, weakness in the limbs, slurred speech, or difficulty swallowing. As the disease progresses, individuals may lose the ability to walk, speak, eat, and eventually breathe. Despite the loss of motor function, cognitive abilities are often preserved.There is currently no cure for ALS, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms, improving quality of life, and prolonging survival. Medications like riluzole and edaravone can modestly slow disease progression. Supportive therapies, such as physical therapy, speech therapy, and assistive devices, play a crucial role in care.Ongoing research and awareness efforts continue in hopes of better understanding ALS, improving treatment options, and ultimately finding a cure for this devastating disease.

Systems Architecture

The Systems Architecture of Periodontitis is published as a web based tool open to public . Click below to interact with the Systems Architecture

Publication

A peer-reviewed publication resulting from the work of ALS Initiative was published in 2025 in the NATURE's Systems Biology and Applications journal. Download the publication below

Combination Screening

In this phase, combination screening will be performed to identify potential ingredient/compounds that target the biological process implicated in ALS pathogenesis. This phase is yet to begin.

Patents

In this phase, a US patent will be filed for the combination(s) discovered in the Combination Screening phase. This phase is yet to begin.

Licensing and Manufacturing

The ALS Initiative plans to discover, develop, license and manufacture proprietary nutraceuticals to support treatment of ALS. Support our mission to bring this innovation to those who need it most. Please support this phase by donating to the ALS Initiative