The 2025 Northeast Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (NEALS) Consortium hosted its annual meeting in Clearwater, Florida, Oct. 7-10. Peter King, M.D., professor and Vice Chair for Veterans Affairs in the UAB Department of Neurology, and Nan Jiang, associate professor in the Department of Neurology and director of the UAB ALS Clinic, attended the meeting along with Melanie Benge, Clinical Research Nurse Coordinator III, and Katherine Smith, MSTP student in the King Lab.
The group presented findings from clinical and basic science ALS research projects ongoing at UAB. Jiang and Benge presented a poster on yogic therapy for ALS patients.This treatment protocol generated significant interest, and many participants requested further details. In addition, Smith was selected for a prestigious “lightning” oral presentation in which she discussed cutting-edge research investigating the role of circular RNAs in ALS. She has also been selected for an oral presentation at the International Symposium on ALS/MND in San Diego in December.
During the meeting, the UAB team networked with researchers from multiple institutions, gaining insights to support upcoming projects and national collaborations. UAB has recently been selected as one of only 14 sites to participate in the third sub-study of the ALL ALS study led by Jiang, the site PI. Furthermore, two ALS treatment-related clinical trials have been approved and are about to begin at UAB. There are five additional studies and clinical trials under discussion.
The ALS team also recently participated in the 2025 Walk to Defeat ALS event at Homewood Central Park on Sept. 28. Jiang and Benge, along with Usama Tariq, M.D.,and Olivia Scogin, Clinical Research Coordinator I, helped staff an information table for the ALL ALS study, an NIH-funded program in which UAB is an active participant. Kudos to Kate Smith for overseeing and assisting the volunteers who contributed their time and effort to ensure a successful program.
UAB participates in the 2025 NEALS conference. Left, Katherine Smith (UAB MSTP student in the lab of Peter King, M.D.) presented findings from her project on the role of circular RNAs in ALS. Right, Nan Jiang, M.D., and Melanie Benge presented findings from a pilot study at UAB investigating the benefit of a yogic breathing program to enhance the quality of life in ALS patients.