Mother claims miracle drug halts ALS symptoms

In 2017, Raziel Green, a 52-year-old active runner and mother of two, was diagnosed with a rare form of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) after experiencing balance issues and muscle loss. Despite her symptoms, a neurologist initially suggested there was nothing wrong. Eventually, Green participated in a clinical trial for QALSODY, a drug developed to treat SOD1-linked ALS, which aims to decrease the toxic effects of mutations in the SOD1 gene. Green credits this treatment for stopping the progression of her disease and continues to manage her daily activities with its help. QALSODY has shown positive outcomes among 20% to 25% of patients with SOD1 ALS, leading not only to slowed progression but also to halted symptoms or improvements. Medical experts emphasize that benefits often reveal themselves over extended periods, making it difficult to gauge long-term effectiveness right after the release. Additionally, there are potential side effects associated with the drug, and the long-term impacts of treatments like QALSODY need further research. Despite using a cane for assistance and a wheelchair for longer distances, Green expresses her appreciation for the new opportunities the drug has given her, including the hope of giving her children preventative treatment by having them tested for the SOD1 gene. Other patients with the same genetic condition also share a sense of optimism, seeking benefits from the new medical advancements in ALS research. Looking forward, ongoing research strives to uncover better strategies for managing ALS and enhancing patient quality of life. The work around SOD1-ALS treatments demonstrates a tangible path toward slowing the neurodegeneration typical of this progressive disease, instilling renewed hope in patients and families affected by ALS.