The annual ALS TDI Summit, hosted by the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI), is a unique opportunity for the ALS community to learn first-hand about some of the newest developments in ALS research. Coinciding with the 25th anniversary of ALS TDI, this year’s conference, on October 4th, will include presentations on the progress of research from ALS TDI’s science team, a panel discussion with leaders from across the ALS research community, and expert-led afternoon presentations

Register to attend the ALS TDI Summit in person or online, taking place at the Boston Sheraton Hotel on October 4th, 2024.


ALS TDI Research Updates

The morning portion of the Summit will begin with science updates from several members of the ALS TDI research team. ALS TDI morning presentations will include:

  • ALS TDI’s Evolving Strategy to End ALS
    • To begin the day, Dr. Fernando Vieira, CEO and CSO of ALS TDI, will provide an overview of ALS TDI’s research direction and strategy, with a particular focus on how the institute is leveraging new technologies and partnerships to pursue innovative avenues in ALS research. 
  • 25 Years of In Vivo ALS TDI Research: Past Achievements, Current Status, and Future Prospects
    • Next, ALS TDI’s Senior Director of Pharmacology Dr. Theo Hatzipetros will present on how ALS TDI established itself as a leading institution in testing potential treatments in animal models of ALS, and how we are continuing to innovate with new models and techniques.
  • Human Cell Biology Research at ALS TDI
    • Dr. Kyle Denton, ALS TDI’s Director of Cell Biology, will present the latest progress in the institute’s use of cellular models of ALS, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), to test potential ALS treatments and learn more about the biology of the disease.
  • Exploring Progress: The Evolution and Impact of the ALS Research Collaborative
    • Continuing the ALS TDI Research Updates, ALS TDI’s Senior Manager of Clinical Operations Alan Premasiri will provide an update on the evolution and progress of this program, the longest-running natural history study in ALS, one year since its relaunch as the ALS Research Collaborative (ARC).


Panel Discussion

Following the morning session, we will present a panel of leaders from across the ALS space, discussing what he have learned from the past 25 years of ALS research, the current state of the field, and exciting opportunities on the horizon. The panel will feature:

  • Fernando Vieira, M.D.; CEO and Chief Scientific Officer, ALS Therapy Development Institute 
  • Sharon Hesterlee, Ph.D.; Chief Research Officer, Muscular Dystrophy Association
  • Paul Wright, Ph.D.; Head of Motor Neuron Disease, LifeArc
  • Bernie Zipprich; ALS patient, Advocate and Entrepreneur; Program Director, Project Mosaic
  • Moderator – Danielle Boyce, MPH, DPA; Faculty, Tufts University School of Medicine 


Afternoon Keynotes

Following a brief lunch break, Summit attendees will hear presentations from renowned industry leaders who are shaping the future of ALS research.
  • Findings from a Major Study on Blood NfL Levels in People with ALS
    • Dr. Fernando Vieira will present findings from a major project undertaken by ALS TDI researchers to further study neurofilament light chain (NfL) in people with ALS enrolled in the ARC study.
  • STARDUST-ALS:  A Framework for Multimodal Data Integration and Evidence Generation in ALS Drug Development
    • Dr. Danielle Boyce, data scientist, will return to discuss STARDUST-ALS, a new approach to capturing, managing, and analyzing “big data” in ALS natural history studies
  • Global Neurodegeneration Proteomics Consortium: 
    • Dr. Farhad Imam, MD, PhD, the Director of Health and Life Sciences at Gates Ventures, will present on this collaborative effort uniting diverse data and researchers working on neurodegenerative disorders globally to contribute to the advancement of the diagnosis and treatment of neurodegenerative conditions, including ALS.


Register to Attend the Summit!

This year’s ALS TDI Summit will take place on October 4th at the Boston Sheraton Hotel. Those unable to attend in person can register to livestream the event online. Registration for both online and in-person attendees is free, but please note that registration is required to attend. For more information about attending the ALS TDI Summit, visit https://fundraise.als.net/alssummit/.


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