Packard Center Shines at 35th International ALS/MND Symposium in Montreal
The Packard Center team made a significant impact at the 35th International Symposium on ALS/MND, the world’s largest medical and scientific conference dedicated to motor neuron disease. With over 1,000 global delegates, the event showcased the cutting-edge research and collaborative spirit of the ALS research community.
Longitude Prize Launch
Executive Director Dr. Jeff Rothstein unveiled the groundbreaking Longitude Prize on ALS, a global initiative that harnesses artificial intelligence to revolutionize drug discovery. This ambitious project will engage disease experts and data scientists worldwide to identify and validate critical drug targets and pathways.
Innovative Research Recognized
Several Packard Center investigators received notable recognition:
- Dr. Jonathan Glass (Emory University) was honored with the prestigious 2024 Forbes Norris Award for his exceptional contributions to ALS management and research.
- Dr. Richard Robitaille (University of Montreal) received the Drs. Ayeez and Shelena Lalji & Family ALS Endowed Award for Innovative Healing for his groundbreaking work on neuromuscular junction mechanisms in ALS, which has progressed to clinical trial stages.
Cutting-Edge Research Spotlight
Dr. Tobias Moll from the University of Sheffield presented exciting research on deep learning models of rare non-coding genetic variants in human motor neurons. The Packard Center is proud to support the next phase of this innovative project in collaboration with Drs. Johnathan Cooper-Knock and Sai Zhang.
The symposium underscored the Packard Center’s ongoing commitment to advancing ALS research and bringing hope to those affected by this challenging disease.