Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s ALS Center in Neptune is the first ALS care provider in the U.S. to offer patients a new interventional clinical study.
The study DAZALS is from Corcept Therapeutics, and is a Phase 2, multicenter, 198-patient, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study evaluating safety and efficacy of dazucorilant, an investigational treatment, in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive, debilitating disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in muscle weakness and atrophy. ALS often leads to total paralysis and death within two to five years of diagnosis.
“We do not have a cure for this deadly disease,” principal investigator Dr. Mary Sedarous, medical director, ALS Center, said. “With our scarce treatment options, interventional studies like this are important for our ALS community.”
Individuals interested in reviewing DAZALS’ eligibility criteria, and for more information about the clinical study, may visit the National Library of Medicine’s website and search for dazucorilant. Alternatively, people can also find more information on Corcept Therapeutics’ website and search for DAZALS.
“Together with Hackensack University Medical Center’ ALS Center, our network is providing world-class care for patients with this devastating disease across our state,” Robert Garrett, chief executive officer, Hackensack Meridian Health, said.
“Jersey Shore’s ALS Center is one of only two nationally Certified Treatment Centers of Excellence in New Jersey, as designated by the ALS Association,” Dr. Kenneth Sable, regional president, Southern Market, Hackensack Meridian Health, said. “The multidisciplinary team is dedicated to providing patients diagnosed with ALS with the unique, comprehensive care they require.”
The ALS Center is located in the Dr. Robert H. Harris Neuroscience Treatment Center, home to specialists in numerous neurological diseases and conditions. They provide diagnostic, medical and surgical treatments at JSUMC for multiple sclerosis, stroke, epilepsy and other movement disorders, pediatric neurology, headaches and migraines, sleep medicine and neuro-oncology, among others. Neuroscience services also include the Center for Memory and Healthy Aging, Center for Paralysis and Reconstructive Nerve Surgery, Center for Advanced Skull Base Surgery, the Craniofacial Center, which is certified as an American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, and a General Neurosurgery Program, including spine surgery.
