Clinical research studies involve people, but do not involve treatment with an experimental drug or testing of an experimental device. These studies may help doctors, researchers and scientists learn more about the disease, so that they may diagnose, prevent, treat or cure the disease. This type of research often does not directly benefits the participant, but the knowledge gained may help others in the future.
We are involved in a wide variety of clinical research projects at the Emory ALS Center. Participation in our clinical research projects ranges from a one-time blood donation to the most generous gift, tissue donation. Among these projects, we are studying people with ALS to gain knowledge about the genetic causes of disease in families with inherited ("familial") ALS, in addition to investigating whether there is a genetic predisposition or susceptibility to disease in patients with non-inherited ("sporadic") ALS. We are also investigating new techniques to diagnose ALS and measure disease progression.
Clinical Research Opportunities
(no experimental drug treatment)
Clinical Research in ALS (CRiALS)
- To learn more about neurological disorders
- To contribute to Project MinE
- For ALS patients, blood relatives and healthy unrelated volunteers
- Procedures include donation of a blood sample, skin sample and/or spinal fluid and an information questionnaire
Contact Arish Jamil at 404-727-1273 or Arish.jamil@emory.edu
Project MinE
Project MinE is a genetic research program that aims to map the full DNA profiles of at least 15,000 people with ALS and compare them with 7,500 control subjects (people without ALS or a family history of ALS). The program originated in the Netherlands and includes researchers from 15 countries, including The United Kingdom, Portugal, Ireland, Spain and Belgium. Our center is the US site and Dr. Glass is the lead investigator in the U.S. All Emory ALS patients are invited to participate by providing a blood sample for DNA, and (optionally) a small skin sample to create stem cells for further research.
Tissue Donation
- Consider giving the most generous gift to ALS research.
- It is essential to discuss and make arrangements well in advance.
- Only open to ALS Patients receiving their care at the Emory ALS Clinic
- Should not compromise funeral arrangements.
Contact Meraida Polak at 404-778-3807 or mpolak@emory.edu