US, Japan drugmakers target ALS-causing genes with new therapies

TOKYO — New treatments for ALS are progressing little by little, with companies like U.S.-based Biogen and Japan’s Otsuka Pharmaceutical working to give hope to patients of the incurable disease.

ALS is a progressive disease that attacks nerve cells that control muscles throughout the body. As the disease progresses, commands to move the hands, feet, tongue and throat are no longer transmitted, weakening the muscles.