NEALS has developed the operational backbone needed to support high-quality, multisite clinical trials across the ALS research landscape. In collaboration with leading academic institutions, the network provides infrastructure for every stage of the trial process — from study design and site selection to outcome measurement and data coordination.

 

As a leader in defining excellence in ALS clinical trials, NEALS has played an instrumental role in validating and standardizing the administration and scoring of the ALS Functional Rating Scale–Revised (ALSFRS-R). By promoting consistent protocols across trial sites, NEALS has strengthened reliability, accuracy, and credibility in ALS research. Its commitment to data sharing and cross-trial comparability continues to accelerate insights across the broader research community.

 

Operational Capacity and Resources

Through its academic hubs and centralized coordination, NEALS clinical trial cores at MGH and BNI have supported hundreds of trials, from pilot studies to late-phase and platform trials:

• Clinical & Data Coordination Center (MGH NCRI)

The Neurological Clinical Research Institute at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH NCRI) is an academic clinical research organization that acts as the NEALS Clinical & Data Coordination Center. MGH NCRI may provide NEALS studies with trial design, protocol development, project management, data management, EDC systems, site selection &management, vendor management, contract & financial management and central IRB services.

• Outcomes & Monitoring Center (Barrow Neurological Institute)

Barrow Neurological Institute acts as the NEALS Outcomes & Monitoring Center. Barrow provides NEALS sites with training on ALS outcome measures. In addition, Barrow employs and trains NEALS site monitors who conduct site and pharmacy monitoring for trials.

 

Learn More:

• For more information about ALS Outcome Measures with BNI [LINKED TO GAIL KITTLE] |

• For more information on Coordination Services at MGH [LINKED TO KRISTIN DRAKE]