Powering Weakened and Stressed Cells in ALS to Function Better with Nanocrystal Therapy

In neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, cells in the brain suffer a decline in their ability to produce energy. These impairments help to drive the progression of these diseases. Clene Nanomedicine is developing a nanocrystal suspension of gold atoms that are small enough to enter mitochondria—the cellular organelles that power activity—to increase two critical energy metabolites to fuel cellular function and counter the disease. The company believes this has the potential to provide functional change to people with ALS and other neurodegenerative conditions. We spoke to Rob Etherington, president and CEO of Clene Nanomedicine, about ALS, the role that the compromised ability of cells to produce energy play in the disorder, and why the company believes its gold nanocrystal therapy has the potential to improve function in people with the condition.