Questions to Prof. Robberecht

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1. How far along is the ALS research in Finland?

The Finnish professor Paiv Liesi hasn't released any results yet, since the research is still at an early stage where it is too soon to draw any actual conclusions. We do know it's a research that investigates which substances could come close to the patency of calcium in the receptors. No more, no less. The Finnish research is – according to Prof. Robberecht – focused on the observation that a receptor on the motor neuron allows too much calcium to go through the glutamate to the neuron.

By finding a way to exercise influence on the glial cells close to the neuron, the receptor should be capable of arranging the flow-out of calcium more evenly. The Finns haven't yet published their research in the scientific literature. There is, however, a press release and information on their website, but that is not the same thing.

2. Are the research methods of KU Leuven used globally or only in Leuven?

ALS research happens in different places all over the world. The researches and results are exchanged.

Before a drug can be commercialized there are 4 phases you need to go through:

Phase 1: What are the effects on cells in petri dishes, … ?

Phase 2: These findings have to be checked in animal models such as mice, rats, … The causes of the disease have to be checked as well as what the treatment is.

Phase 3: Before testing it on human beings the law demands to do further testing on larger animals.

Phase 4: Research on human beings in a clinical environment. This means that there will be a comparison between a group who gets the drug and a group who is treated with a fake drug. Even the physician doesn't know whom he treats with what so the results can be worked out as objectively as possible.

Sometimes there will be exceptions “for example with ALS” and it will it be possible to switch to research on human beings more quickly.

Translation : Sara De Roy