Massachusetts General Hospital

The Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS) Launches New Website

28/Nov/2011

NEALS Launches New Website

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Boston, MA, November 28, 2011- The Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS) launched their new website devoted to supporting clinical research of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and other motor neuron disease (MND).  The website (www.alsconsortium.org), supported by the ALS Therapy Alliance and the ALS Association, increases the availability, clarity, and accuracy of clinical research information for the ALS and MND community.

The new site includes a clinical trial database that is continuously monitored and updated by NEALS. The trial database, sourced from www.clinicaltrials.gov and other public sources, gives users a concise list of active ALS trials in the United States (and select international trials). The database also allows users to search for specific trials by keyword, zip code, and eligibility factors.

Other new features of the website include:
•    A “find a disease specialist” feature which allows users to find clinics in their area that specialize in ALS, Primary lateral Sclerosis (PLS), or Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP);
•    Clinical Trial 101 content with general information about the clinical research process;
•    And a clinical research blog dedicated to the advocacy of new clinical research in motor neuron disease written by ALSA/NEALS Clinical Trial Advocates.

The website and clinical trial database are part of a larger effort by the ALS Association and NEALS to break down the barrier to clinical research information. The new ALSA/ NEALS Trial Expert, Devon Punch, will support and manage the website and clinical trial database. Ms. Punch is available to help people with motor neuron disease and their caregivers navigate the new website and answer questions about clinical research during normal business hours eastern standard time.

ALS Trial Expert
(877) 458-0631
alstrials@partners.org

About NEALS
The Northeast ALS Consortium (NEALS) is an international, independent, non-profit group of researchers who collaboratively conduct clinical research in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and other motor neuron diseases. Their mission is to translate scientific advances into new treatments for people with ALS and motor neuron disease as rapidly as possible.  NEALS has over 100 member sites in the United States, Canada, Ireland, and Israel.

Contact:
Devon Punch
Communications & Outreach Coordinator
DPunch@partners.org
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