A new clinical research trial at Michael E. DeBakey VA is offering Veterans with ALS hope for the future.
As part of the research trial, 10 Veterans with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis will get the opportunity to receive groundbreaking cell therapy targeted at reducing neuroinflammation as a treatment for the neurodegenerative disease.
ALS is a rare rapidly progressing and fatal neurodegenerative disorder that affects Veterans twice as often as people who did not serve in the military. People with ALS experience muscle weakness, loss of movement, and difficulty breathing and swallowing, resulting in a severely declining quality of life and eventually death.
“We are very excited to open this first cell therapy trial for ALS in VA,” said Dr. James Orengo, principal investigator of the trial, which began in December. “We know that neuroinflammation fuels the ALS disease process. We believe that this new treatment, which involves calming the immune system in the central nervous system, holds great promise in halting this disease. Being a part of this multi-center study will help us give Veterans the opportunity to receive a cutting edge therapeutic that could be life changing. Participants will receive nine intravenous infusions of the study drug over a six-month period. The goal is to significantly slow the progression of the disease to allow Veterans to maintain their quality of life.”
Barbara W. Trautner, deputy associate chief of staff for clinical research, says the new clinical trial is exciting for staff and Veterans alike.
“I am thrilled that Houston VA’s investment in our clinical research infrastructure and commitment to research innovation has enabled us to open this potentially groundbreaking trial to help Veterans with ALS. Our neurologists jumped at the chance to offer this to our Veterans. We are excited to be one of the sites for their novel T regulatory cells therapy for ALS. We hope this is the first of many trials we can open to develop new therapies for Veterans with neurodegenerative disorders,” Trautner said.
A “one-stop shop” for patients
A new clinic for the treatment of Veterans with ALS opened at Houston VA in 2022. The clinic offers a “one-stop shop” for patients with the disease.
“Veterans with ALS often see multiple specialists and therapists, usually requiring them to go to different locations—both within and outside our medical center,” said Dr. Mark Kobelja, chief of staff. “Our new clinic allows patients to stay in one room and all the specialists to cycle through that room. It is much more convenient and easier for our Veterans and improves the coordination of their care.”
ALS disease currently has no cure, but researchers nationwide—including locally at Houston VA and Baylor College of Medicine—are working hard to find a cure.
“Serving ALS Veterans is a great honor to me and the rest of the team,” said Orengo. “We understand the tremendous adaptation the Veteran must face dealing with this disease and we are dedicated to being there for them, to help guide them through the process and enhance their quality of life.”
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Is this a new drug trial? If so which companies are involved?
I would like to volunteer for this experimental treatment. I was recently diagnosed with ALS and have suffered major loss in function and utility and strength. How do I go about getting out this team?
We don’t need a lengthy description of what als is or the VA treatment process. We that have it know better than anyone alive. Bottom line, how does one participate? Don’t yank our chain with advertising, give it to me dammit
i currently have bulbar als and am being treated at kc,mo va and am interested in this
Hopefully wonderful breakthrough. My husband just diagnosed July 2023… taking meds now to slow progression.. adjusting to our new normal . Prayers for answers ..PA-VA doing a great job .. Bay Area California
My son is paralyzed on his right arm hand leg. He had brain surgery. Is it possible for him to regain movement
How would I find out if I have ALS?
You can get a genetic test done thru a doctor
I worked on tank ammo tests as a Test director civilian.We had some good VA exams earlier.We can’t get outpatient now due to LOS shortages.We have some winnings in local education.
A very uplifting, hopeful report. Like all who read this, my heart goes out to those afflicted by ALS. Few diagnosis would terrify me like this one and I pray for a cure. Kudos and honors for those working at the cutting edge of science to slow or halt the deadly degenerative process. Praying for these ten patients and their families and all who follow their progress through treatment. Steady on.
I have a friend, co-volunteer and also a Vet like me that has come down with ALS. We are in the Sacramento CA area. Anything this way?
I hope and pray a cure is found and this new treatment will make a major difference in the lives of veterans affected by this terrible disease.
I completed my dissertation on caregivers of Veterans with ALS this is so exciting bec it effects the whole family. thank you for your hard work it is awesome. So exciting too . I pray it works .
When will this research be available nationwide? I am a veteran with slow progression ALS.
My 100% disabled veteran died of ALS 10 years ago. I hope you can help others live longer for them and their families.
This was a horrible day-in and day-out suffering. I cared for him at home for 6 years. He died at home where he wanted to be. He suffers no more. I miss him every day.
I have been paying for steam cell shots sense early 2020. How do I get into the ALS program at Michael E. DeBakey VA .
My Dad and his brother/my Uncle died from ALS. My uncle was a Naval Officer who graduated early from Annapolis after Pearl Harbor was bombed, He served in the Pacific. After he retired and was working in Aerospace Industry he developed ALS and died. My Dad did not deploy when in the military and he developed ALS later and died. So I know all of the progeny of my Dad and Uncle are concerned we might develop ALS.
My Mother died of ALS. When my Father joined the military and was in training at the various bases, my Mother worked at those bases before my Father was shipped overseas. I sincerely hope you can find an answer to this terrible disease.