Xlife Sciences AG launched a research project to develop a potential therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This project is being conducted with the Department of Neurology at the University Medical Center Göttingen (Germany) in scientific cooperation with PD Dr. med. Jan C. Koch.

ALS is a chronically progressive, degenerative disease of the nervous system for which there are only symptomatic treatment options so far. ALS primarily damages the motor nerve cells, the so-called motor neurons, which can lead to progressive muscle atrophy in the arms and legs, speech and swallowing disorders as well as breathing problems in affected patients. According to current estimates, about 400'000 people worldwide are affected by the disease, and about 100'000 people die from its consequences every year.

ALS occurs most frequently between the ages of 50 and 70; men are affected slightly more often than women. The research approach of inflamed pharma and the Department of Neurology at the University Medical Center Göttingen is to investigate inflamed pharma's procaine-based compound ProcCluster in cell cultures simulating an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease. Among other things, ProcCluster® can block voltage-dependent sodium channels and thus has similar properties to Riluzole, the only drug approved to date for the treatment of ALS.

Procaine has no significant side effects and no interactions with other drugs, as it is not broken down by the liver but by the ubiquitous pseudocholinesterase.