Date: January 19, 2005
Subject: Robert Packard Center ALS News Network

Packard Center neurologist Kati Andreasson researches prostaglandins, a poorly understood class of molecules that underlies the effect of aspirin, for example, and some arthritis medicines. Recently, Andreasson found that prostaglandins may have a profound impact on the survival of motor neurons in the spinal cord. She's uncovered signs that a little known pathway of prostaglandin activity may be part of a natural neuroprotective system in the body*one that both counters inflammation and that suggests a new route for therapy.

This week, however, Andreasson's work took on a new luster even though it's just begun to inch toward the bedside. She received an approximately $1.4 million grant for ALS research from the Department of Defense. As part of a DOD medical research program, the funding was formally awarded "for research into the role of inflammatory processes in ALS, enabling novel therapeutics for the disease."

This is the second year the government branch has supported ALS-specific research. It marks a doubling in DOD award money.

"We're more than pleased about Dr. Andreasson's grant, not only because it will help her shed light on a whole new approach to nervous system disease that nobody had anticipated but also because it's a good example of how the Packard Center carries out research," says Center Director Jeffrey Rothstein.

"Even though Dr. Andreasson wasn't primarily involved in ALS work, her Packard funding enabled her laboratory group to branch into novel studies on neural inflammation in ALS. The Center also surrounded her with both seasoned and younger enthusiastic scientists to help keep her ALS research on target." Their guidance played a part in Andreasson's studies to explain the underlying biology as well as those aimed at ALS therapy. She's now investigating a drug that could heighten prostaglandin neuroprotection.

"Her government funding really reflects how aggressive, collaborative research*the sort that happens when 'outsiders' with outstanding expertise are brought into the ALS scientific community*can truly advance what we know and where we hope to go," says Rothstein.