Clinical Research ALS with Hitonowa Medical

ALS is a disease in which the muscles of the limbs, throat, tongue, and those needed for breathing gradually weaken and atrophy, leading to loss of function. The primary impact is on motor neurons, resulting in a disruption of commands from the brain to move the limbs. Meanwhile, sensations, vision, hearing, and internal organ functions are generally preserved. ALS is a severe disease with no halt in progression post-onset, typically leading to death within 3 to 5 years.

Globally, the estimated number of ALS patients is about 456,000, with approximately 10,000 in Japan (according to the Japan ALS Association). Each year, 1,000 to 2,000 new cases are diagnosed in Japan. With no effective treatments available, ALS is designated as an intractable disease and is considered a prime example of unmet medical needs, where effective therapies are still lacking.

In 2014, ALS gained significant attention as the subject of the Ice Bucket Challenge, a social media phenomenon where participants poured ice water over their heads or donated to ALS research, raising awareness and funds for the disease.