UC Irvine Researchers Discover How to Better Support Lab-Grown Muscle Cells After Transplantation
Date: November 9, 2023
Location: Irvine, Calif.
Lead Researchers: Michael H. Hicks, PhD, and April D. Pyle, PhD
About the Discovery: Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have made a significant discovery in the support of lab-grown muscle cells after transplantation, identifying a gene critical for muscle repair. This breakthrough is seen as a major step towards the development of “muscle in a dish” to treat a variety of muscle disorders and injuries, including Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and rotator cuff injuries.
UCI Health Enrolls First Patient in Expanded Access Protocol Program for ALS Drug
Date: September 25, 2023
Location: Irvine, Calif.
Lead: Dr. Namita Goyal, Professor of Neurology at the UCI School of Medicine and Director of the UCI Health ALS & Neuromuscular Center
About the Program: The University of California, Irvine has launched an Expanded Access Protocol (EAP) program under the direction of Dr. Namita Goyal. This program offers ALS patients who do not qualify for trials the opportunity to access investigational drugs not yet approved by the FDA. The first participant is receiving trehalose, an investigational drug involved in the HEALEY ALS Platform Trial, supported by the axeALS Foundation and the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS.
UCI Study Links ALS to Immune System Dysfunction
Date: July 06, 2022
Location: Orange, Calif.
Lead Researcher: Albert LaSpada, MD, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Pathology, Neurology and Biological Chemistry at the UCI School of Medicine
About the Study: Research led by Albert LaSpada has found that the immune system may play a significant role in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), particularly in a form known as ALS4. The study, a collaboration with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, suggests bone marrow transplants as a novel treatment approach, offering new hope for addressing the neurodegenerative disease. The research identified dysfunctions in cell-mediated immunity based on the presence of expanded CD8 T cells, opening a potential pathway for treating ALS patients through bone marrow transplantation.
UCI Health Researchers Awarded $4.2 Million to Study Rare, Debilitating Muscle Disorder
Date: April 07, 2021
Principal Investigator: Dr. Tahseen Mozaffar, Director of the UCI Health ALS and Neuromuscular Center
About the Study: UCI Health neuromuscular disorder researchers have been awarded a prestigious $4.2 million grant from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases to study sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM). This study aims to develop a detailed characterization of sIBM progression and explore the influence of biomarkers on the disease. The research is the largest of its kind, enrolling 150 sIBM patients with a planned two-year follow-up.
More than 170 UCI Health Doctors Among 2020 Physicians of Excellence in Orange Coast Magazine
Date: December 27, 2019
Recognition by: The Orange County Medical Association
About the Recognition: Nearly 150 UCI Health doctors have been named to the 2020 Physicians of Excellence list by the Orange County Medical Association, more than any other health system in Orange County. This recognition is part of UCI Health’s continued excellence in patient safety and healthcare, including an 11th consecutive top grade from The Leapfrog Group and a ranking among America’s Best Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
UC Irvine Medical Study Gives Hope to Orange County Mom with ALS
Date: April 19, 2018
Location: UC Irvine
Participants: Dr. Namita Goyal, UC Irvine neurologist, and patient Lisa Wittenberg
About the Study: Part of a nationwide study on ALS conducted by UC Irvine’s Alpha Stem Cell Clinic and Department of Neurology, this research focuses on a potential treatment involving the extraction, treatment, and reinjection of patients’ stem cells with NurOwn. This cell therapy aims to reduce inflammation and promote motor cell regeneration. Lisa Wittenberg, a mother diagnosed with ALS, shares her journey of hope and participation in this groundbreaking trial.