Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS and Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine Establish Acceleration Centers of Enrollment Initiative

BOSTON- Together with Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine, the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Massachusetts General Hospital is thrilled to announce the launch of the Acceleration Centers of Enrollment (ACE) initiative.

The ACE initiative aims to accelerate enrollment and operational improvements in ALS clinical research by increasing access to clinical trials, expanded access protocols, and non-therapeutic research studies. Support for the ACE initiative comes from an Anonymous donor, ALS ONE, and the Les Turner ALS Foundation.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Healey & AMG Center for ALS to launch this exciting and important new initiative,” said Laura Freveletti, CEO of the Les Turner ALS Foundation. “Clinical trial participants deserve our utmost gratitude, and this program will pave the way for better treatments and longer, richer lives for those living with ALS.”

"ALS ONE is honored to be a support partner of the Acceleration Centers of Enrollment (ACE) initiative. This innovative program will significantly enhance access to critical clinical trials and research studies for people living with ALS” said Jennifer DiMartino, Executive Director of ALS ONE. “By funding staff, training, and infrastructure, ACE is a vital step towards faster, more efficient research and ultimately, finding treatments and a cure for ALS.”

The initiative will be led by a team of clinical investigators from both Mass General and Northwestern. The Mass General team will be comprised of Merit Cudkowicz, M.D., MS.C., Sabrina Paganoni, M.D., Ph.D., and Doreen Ho, M.D. Senda Ajroud-Driss, M.D., will lead the team at Northwestern. Between the two centers, the ACE initiative will provide funding for staff, training, and infrastructure to accelerate participation in research, ultimately broadening access to potential treatments and programs for people living with ALS.

“We need transformative initiatives to change the trajectory of ALS research and care,” said Dr. Paganoni. “With programs like ACE coming to fruition, we are forging new paths for those who desire to contribute to research and gain access to clinical trials, expanded access and other important studies.”

The HEALEY ALS Platform Trial has been a leader in pioneering innovation and advancing research in ALS. There is tremendous interest in participating in this study as well as other exciting research projects. The ACE initiative will improve access and efficiency, funding training and salaries of additional staff, and ultimately broadening access for people with ALS to potential treatments and programs.

“The ACE initiative will serve as a model for future adaptations and contribute invaluable research and information to the fight against ALS,” said Dr. Ajroud-Driss.  “We are grateful for the support of our research partners, as well as the ALS community for making this initiative possible.”

About the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General
At the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, we are committed to bringing together a global network of scientists, physicians, nurses, foundations, federal agencies, and people living with ALS, their loved ones, and caregivers to accelerate the pace of ALS therapy discovery and development.

Launched in November 2018, the Healey & AMG Center, under the leadership of Merit Cudkowicz, MD and a Science Advisory Council of international experts, is reimagining how to develop and test the most promising therapies to treat the disease, identify cures and ultimately prevent it.

With many clinical trials and lab-based research studies in progress right now, we are ushering in a new phase of ALS treatment and care. Together, we will find the cures.

About the Les Turner ALS Foundation
Founded in 1977, the Les Turner ALS Foundation is one of the longest-serving ALS groups in the country. Our mission is to provide the most comprehensive care and support to people living with ALS and their families so they can confidently navigate the disease and have access to the most promising therapies. We treat each person like family, supporting them every step of the way, and provide their loved ones with answers and encouragement.

Our Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine is led by the most well-respected and successful clinicians and researchers in the field, advancing vital care and research in pursuit of life-enhancing treatments and a cure. Learn more at lesturnerals.org.

About ALS ONE
ALS ONE is an unprecedented partnership of world-leading researchers, clinicians, and care providers who have united to expedite breakthrough treatments towards a cure for ALS while providing essential care resources and equipment to individuals living with the disease now. Our team of experts from MGH, UMass Medical School, ALS TDI, and Compassionate Care ALS is unique for its leadership in efficiency, dedication to innovative research, the sharing of critical data, and commitment to increasing access to care, treatment, and an incredibly supportive community.