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ALS

Prof. Eran Perlson of the Gray Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences and the Sagol School of Neuroscience at Tel Aviv University, center, with Dr. Ariel Ionescu,left, and PhD student Tal Pery Gradus. (Courtesy/Tel Aviv University)
November 17, 2025, 5:03 pm
In world first, Israeli scientists use RNA-based gene therapy to stop ALS deterioration
By adding a microRNA molecule to ALS models, Tel Aviv University, Ben-Gurion University and Weizmann Institute researchers say the damaged nerve cells ‘even regenerated’
By Diana Bletter
Michael Podolsky with his cat, a few years before the onset of ALS. Podolsky, 44, was the first named individual with ALS to successfully fight for his right to die in Israel in almost 30 years and the first to donate his organs. He died on September 25, 2025.(Courtesy/Tamar Ashkenazi)
September 30, 2025, 4:47 pm
Circumventing Israeli law, judge grants ALS patient’s right to die; he donates his organs
Mechanically ventilated oxygen for Michael Podolsky, 44, was reduced at Sheba Medical Center last week; became the first ALS patient under end-of-life care to donate organs
By Diana Bletter
File: An illustrative image of the human brain. ALS, a degenerative disease, is caused by by motor neuron death in the brain and spinal cord. (Ozgu Arslan via stock by Getty Images)
January 20, 2023, 10:51 am
New ALS drug headed to Israel, in first distribution deal outside North America
Medicine is believed to extend patients’ lives by almost a year on average; FDA has approved it based on Phase II trial
By Nathan Jeffay
ALS patient Narkis Moshe with her doctor Prof. Vivian Dror of Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (courtesy of Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center)
December 15, 2022, 11:49 am
‘New era of treatment’: Israelis among first to receive ‘game-changing’ ALS medicine
Tofersen, which is injected into the spine like an epidural, is giving new hope to two patients at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center
By Nathan Jeffay
An illustrative image of neurons, or brain cells (whitehoune; iStock by Getty Images)
April 1, 2022, 10:42 am
Identifying ALS-fighting mutation, Israeli researchers hope for path to treatment
Newly discovered variation cuts incidence of illness made famous by Ice Bucket Challenge; Weizmann team now working to mimic effect in patients to reduce symptoms
By Nathan Jeffay
Ady Barkan attends the Los Angeles Supports a Dream Act Now! protest at the office of California Senator Dianne Feinstein on January 3, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Gabriel Olsen/Getty Images via JTA)
August 2, 2019, 9:16 pm
Israeli-American activist says US must have better conversation on healthcare
Ady Barkan, an ALS sufferer name-checked by Elizabeth Warren at Democratic debate, says issue ‘too important for 30-second sound bites shouted between ten different candidates’
By Ben Sales
Illustration of bacteria (Courtesy)
July 24, 2019, 12:39 pm
Treatment with gut microbes may slow progression of ALS – Israeli study
Findings ‘are only a first step toward achieving a comprehensive understanding of the potential impact of the microbiome,’ Weizmann researcher says
By ToI Staff and AP
Netanel Cohen, left, at Ben Gurion Airport, July 15, 2018. (Hadashot screen capture)
July 16, 2018, 11:13 am
Ben Gurion security stops passenger flying with life-saving medical equipment
Family of 19-year-old ALS sufferer Netanel Cohen forced to get off El Al flight to Greece after bag triggers security concern, despite earlier approval; they took later flight
By ToI Staff
Illustrative image of the neurological process causing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. (Screen capture: Moovly via YouTube)
May 27, 2018, 2:41 pm
Israeli scientists say step taken toward finding treatment for ALS
While Tel Aviv University researchers are not claiming to have discovered cure for Lou Gehrig’s disease, they believe they have ‘moved the field forward’
By Shoshanna Solomon
The scene of her husband's death in an excerpt from 'Last Things' by Marissa Moss. (Courtesy)
May 28, 2017, 2:29 am
A graphic memoir of loss and love in which the writer stars as anti-hero
In ‘Last Things,’ celebrated children’s author Marissa Moss illustrates her realistic experience as caregiver while watching her husband die of ALS
By Lisa Klug
Illustrative image of the neurological process causing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. (Screen capture: Moovly via YouTube)
May 25, 2017, 11:30 am
Israeli scientists announce new treatment for ALS
Drug developed at Ben-Gurion University said to improve brain function and life expectancy, may help Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s sufferers too
By ToI Staff
Illustrative photo of a doctor and patient. (kzenon/istockphoto)
April 6, 2017, 3:00 pm
Ultra-Orthodox group backs up NY law banning assisted suicide
Agudath Israel of America files amicus brief in euthanasia lawsuit by terminally ill patients and their doctors
By JTA
Musical friends sing tribute to Yitzi Hurwitz, a Chabad emissary stricken with ALS. (YouTube)
April 1, 2016, 8:21 am
ALS-struck rabbi writes hopeful musical message
Popular Orthodox Jewish performers from across the Diaspora and Israel sing Yitzi Hurwitz’s own composition promoting peace and togetherness
By Renee Ghert-Zand
Sesame Enable co-founder Giora Livne uses the Sesame Phone. (Basti Hansen)
December 6, 2015, 5:25 pm
No-hands-needed smartphone to be made available for free
Individuals who are paralyzed or otherwise disabled can now be part of the digital revolution, says Sesame Phone inventor Oded Ben Dov
By David Shamah
US Congressman Chaka Fattah (left) meets with former Israeli president Shimon Peres (center) and Braintech chairman Rafi Gidron on March 11, 2015 (Courtesy)
October 9, 2015, 3:43 pm
Congressman’s bill to further US-Israel cooperation on brain tech
Global Neuroscience Partnership Act to support start-ups, universities seeking cures for neurological diseases
By David Shamah
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