ALS United Connecticut has announced a second year of research funding for AUTTX, a biotechnology company developing new molecules aimed at restoring normal ribonucleic acid (RNA) processing in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), reflecting continued collaboration with the ALS Network to advance translational science for patients and families affected by the disease.

The follow-on investment builds on AUTTX's first-year performance under a collaborative Innovation Research Grant program facilitated by the ALS Network, which streamlines infrastructure and reduces duplication to direct more resources toward high-potential research. The first year of funding was provided jointly by ALS United and the ALS Network.

The research is led by AUTTX co-founders Isabelle Draper, PhD, chief scientific officer, and Alan S. Kopin, MD, chief executive officer (CEO). Draper leads a laboratory at Tufts Medical Center focused on studying alterations in RNA processing in animal models. Kopin, a professor emeritus at Tufts University School of Medicine, has focused on research examining the abnormal processing of the Stathmin-2 protein due to TDP-43 dysfunction.

"Transformative progress in ALS research only happens when urgency is matched with action," said Jacky Rose, Executive Director at ALS United Connecticut. "Through collaboration, innovation, and sustained investment in promising science, we are helping pave the way toward meaningful advances for people and families affected by ALS."

"AUTTX demonstrated exceptional momentum, scientific rigor, and compelling proof-of-concept data during the first year of this award," said Sheri Strahl, President and CEO of ALS Network. "We are thrilled to continue supporting this work alongside ALS United Connecticut as the team advances promising molecules toward the next stage of development. This is exactly the type of high-risk, high-reward translational science our organizations are committed to championing."

ALS United Connecticut's funding supports AUTTX's work to develop molecules with the potential to deliver new treatments for people living with ALS, a disease that remains without a cure and continues to drive urgent demand for translational research breakthroughs.