Longitude Prize on ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis)
The Longitude Prize on ALS is a global initiative to incentivise the use of AI to transform drug discovery for the treatment of ALS (also known as MND or motor neuron disease).
The Prize will engage disease experts and data scientists worldwide to identify and validate drug targets and pathways relevant to disease progression, driving understanding of the disease and supporting onward translation into drug discovery.
The Prize is convening global data partners to bring a unique data offer to prize participants, giving access to data at an unprecedented scale.
The Prize will raise awareness of ALS as a disease ready for and in need of solutions.
ALS is a highly complex disease for which there are no effective treatments. The great promise is that AI can now handle this complexity. That’s why we predict that ALS shall be the first disease to become treatable due to AI. This prize is a rallying call for AI and ALS experts everywhere.
What is ALS?
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), the most common form of motor neuron disease (MND), is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is currently incurable, with an average life expectancy post-diagnosis of just two to four years. Although often described as a rare disease, incidence is not uncommon: there is a 3 in 1000 chance that a person develops MND in their lifetime with ALS being the most prevalent subgroup of the disease. Current treatment for sporadic forms of ALS (up to 85% of those diagnosed) is restricted to one approved therapy and supportive care, however, research into the causes of the disease has accelerated in recent years.
We can’t do this alone
To make sure we get the prize design and focus right, we’ve consulted with over 100 organisations in the ALS space. We continue working with key opinion leaders, foundations, academic communities, patient groups, and commercial organisations to explore the most effective way to shift the dial on ALS treatment discovery and development.
We are now actively looking for collaborations and partnerships in the following areas:
- Funding partners – support us in funding and steering the Prize.
- Delivery partners – with technical capabilities and resources to support the programme and to assist participating teams.
- Communications & Advocacy partners – support us in amplifying and sharing our messages across prize delivery and for our global campaign.
- People affected by ALS to tell their stories
