Jersey Shore University Medical Centers ALS Center is the First in New Jersey to Provide the First Treatment to Target a Genetic Cause of the Disease

Published:
June 20, 2023

What You Need To Know

  • Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s ALS Center is the first in New Jersey to provide patients with QALSODY™ (tofersen), the first treatment to target a genetic cause of the disease.
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the QALSODY (tofersen) injection in April 2023, for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in adults who have a mutation in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene.
  • The ALS Center is located in the Dr. Robert H. Harris Neuroscience Treatment Center, home to experts in several neurological diseases and conditions.
The treatment is only available in adults who have a mutation in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene. Mary Sedarous, M.D., medical director, ALS Center said, “Patients who participated in the clinical study of QALSODY experienced a reduction in the concentrations of SOD1 in the CSF and clinically also experienced a reduction in the decline of strength. I’m excited at what the future of these treatments may hold for our ALS community.”

More Information

The ALS Center will provide genetic testing for individuals to check if they are eligible for QALSODY (tofersen) treatment. For more information, call 732-776-3307 or visit www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/Services/Neurosciences/Amyotrophic-Lateral-Sclerosis-ALS.