What distinguishes NEALS is not a single program or initiative, but the ecosystem we built; one that connects investigators, study teams, people living with ALS, caregivers, industry partners, and advocates in a collective pursuit of progress. NEALS does not simply support research; it builds the conditions that allow research to move faster, smarter, and more equitably, while keeping the priorities and lived experience of people with ALS at the center. Together, this network advanced innovative clinical trial designs, identified new drug targets and key biomarkers, and contributed to trials that have led to new ALS treatments. NEALS strengthened collaboration across the global ALS community by fostering open science, developing shared data and biospecimen resources, training and supporting study teams worldwide, and partnering with hundreds of people living with ALS and their loved ones to focus research efforts on what matters most. This impact report reflects on three decades of milestones, partnerships, and innovation that have shaped the ALS research landscape. The sections that follow highlight NEALS’ role in advancing therapy development, expanding access to clinical trials, building and training new research sites, establishing patient advocacy in research governance, launching global education initiatives, and fostering collaboration across academic, clinical, and industry partners. As we reflect on this journey, we honor the founders, investigators, research participants, and supporters whose collective efforts have driven progress over the past 30 years. Looking ahead, NEALS remains committed to expanding trial access, deepening partnerships, investing in innovation, and sustaining excellence in ALS clinical research. We invite you to explore the stories and data within this report to understand the impact of NEALS’ work, and to join us as we continue striving toward a future where ALS is fully understood, effectively treated, and ultimately defeated.
NICHOLAS MARAGAKIS, MD CO-CHAIR Nicholas Maragakis
JINSY ANDREWS, MD, MSC CO-CHAIR Jinsy Andrews
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