A Multicenter Study for the Validation of ALS Biomarkers (BIO_ALS-01)

The purpose of this research study is to collect plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from volunteers with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Early ALS), pure lower or upper motor neuron disease (Suspected ALS), other neurological disorders that mimic motor neuron disease and healthy controls. Samples from these groups will be compared to learn more about the underlying cause of ALS and to find unique biological markers that can be used to improve diagnosis and develop new therapies.

Volunteers must be at least 40 years of age, be able to answer brief questions about their medical and family history, and be willing to have blood and/or CSF drawn for the study. Approximately 20 NEALS ALS Centers across the U.S. will participate including our Center. The study aims to enroll 600 volunteers to collect a total of 600 plasma samples and 210 CSF samples. The study is currently open to enrollment. Please contact the Coordination Center via the Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS) for more information about this study at mghneuroclinicaltrialsunit@partners.org or toll free at 1-877-458-0631.

The UPMC Department of Neurology is seeking individuals to participate in a specimen collection study enrolling under the direction of David Lacomis, MD.

 The purpose of the research study is to collect blood and CSF samples from healthy subjects, and both blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), pure lower or upper motor neuron diseases, as well as other neurodegenerative diseases. Through comparison of these samples, the researchers hope to learn more about the underlying cause of ALS, as well as find unique biological markers, which could be used to develop new therapies.

Participants must be between the ages of 30 and 80 years of age and be able to answer brief questions about their medical and family history, as well as be willing to have blood and/or CSF drawn for the study.  If interested, please contact one of our coordinators at 412-648-9053, 412-647-1706, or e-mail us at doerflerd@upmc.edu.  You may also contact the Coordination Center via the Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS) for more information about this study at mghneuroclinicaltrialsunit@partners.org or toll free at 1-877-458-0631.

Eligibility Criteria for Healthy Control Research Volunteers

Healthy control research volunteers meeting all of the following criteria will be allowed to enroll in the study:

1. Absence of a known neurological disorder.
2. Age 30 – 80 years.
3. Ability to provide informed consent.
4. Ability to comply with study procedures.
5. Medically safe to have lumbar puncture (LP research volunteers only).

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