Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease or lower motor neuron disease, is one of the most devastating neurodegenerative disorders. The cause of ALS remains unknown, and no effective treatment currently exists for patients with rapidly progressive forms of the disease. Most ALS cases are classified as sporadic, with only 5–10% categorized as familial ALS.
This disease leads to the progressive loss of motor function due to the degeneration of neurons that activate voluntary muscles. Over time, it causes the degeneration of all voluntary muscles and eventually impairs respiratory muscles. While ALS affects both lower motor neurons and upper motor neurons located in the brain’s motor cortex, patients remain fully conscious and aware of their deteriorating condition until the end.
In its early stages, ALS manifests as muscle spasms, stiffness, and weakness. These symptoms worsen progressively, leading to muscle wasting that typically begins in the upper or lower limbs. When respiratory muscles are affected, patients experience shortness of breath.
In some cases, ALS initially presents as difficulty swallowing fluids, slurred speech, or problems articulating certain words, a condition known as bulbar onset ALS. As the disease advances, patients lose the ability to walk, eat, speak, and use their hands. Ultimately, they become completely immobilized, dependent on oxygen support, and fully conscious of their situation.
Currently, only two medications, Riluzole and Denaverine, are approved for treating ALS. These drugs provide moderate slowing of disease progression but are not significantly effective. Consequently, ALS is still considered incurable, and treatments largely focus on symptom management, leaving a critical unmet need for more effective therapies.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) in ALS Treatment
While ALS patients often experience limited improvement following treatment with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), some have reported slowed disease progression and extended life expectancy. A small fraction of patients have even reversed certain neurological deficits. Due to its safety profile and the lack of better alternatives, many ALS patients opt for MSC therapy.
MSCs can be differentiated in laboratories into motor neurons and may also reduce secondary inflammatory responses that exacerbate neuronal damage. This dual action provides hope for future breakthroughs in regenerating the neuromuscular system. Potential approaches include:
- Using laboratory-differentiated MSCs to replace damaged motor neurons and muscle cells.
- Inducing in vivo differentiation of MSCs to restore function in affected areas.
Some of the observed benefits of MSC therapy in ALS patients may stem from the anti-inflammatory effects of MSCs, as secondary inflammation often accompanies tissue degeneration.
Advancing ALS Treatment at Biotherapy International
At Biotherapy International, we aim to enhance the therapeutic potential of MSCs by combining cellular therapy with advanced supportive technologies:
- Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS): Stimulates neuronal activity to enhance regeneration.
- Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Uses multi-color laser light to activate and improve the regenerative capacity of MSCs.
- Low-Energy Acoustic Shockwave Therapy (AST): Increases blood flow and supports the delivery of regenerative cells to affected areas.
Our ongoing research seeks to optimize these innovative approaches, offering new hope for patients battling ALS and addressing this critical unmet medical need.
