Abstract: Biomarkers are not as commonly used in ALS drug development as in the drug development process for oncology. Biomarkers are important component of the ALS drug development pathway to demonstrate drug effect and target engagement. In a recent Phase 2A double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial with GM604 (AKA MNTF, GM6), where ALS patients were treated with six doses of GM604 for two weeks and then continued to be evaluated for disease progression until 10 weeks after cessation of GM604 treatment, it was demonstrated that GM604 can modulate expression of ALS disease related genes, through pathways that bring about homeostasis of pertinent ALS biomarkers. The statistical significance in biomarker changes also correlate with treatment effects in clinical observations.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for generating a two-dimensional back-projected image of a slice of an object, and also to an optical filtering apparatus and method which, inter alia, is useful therein. Successive beams of light are generated, each having a narrow elongated cross-section with an optical intensity that is a function of the density characteristic of the slice of the object as measured at a particular relative rotational angle. The beams are optically filtered and spread in a direction transverse to their length. Optical filtering with a filter function having both positive and negative components is preferably performed using a single-channel time modulated technique. A television camera receives the spread filtered beams. Relative rotation is effected between the beams and the camera, the rotation being related to the relative rotational angles of the object associated with the generation of the successive beams of light.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method for generating a two-dimensional back-projected image of a slice of an object, and also to an optical filtering apparatus and method which, inter alia, is useful therein. Successive beams of light are generated, each having a narrow elongated cross-section with an optical intensity that is a function of the density characteristic of the slice of the object as measured at a particular relative rotational angle. The beams are optically filtered and spread in a direction transverse to their length. Optical filtering with a filter function having both positive and negative components is preferably performed using a single-channel time modulated technique. A television camera receives the spread filtered beams. Relative rotation is effected between the beams and the camera, the rotation being related to the relative rotational angles of the object associated with the generation of the successive beams of light.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for generating the two-dimensional filtered back-projected image of a slice of an object. In accordance with the invention there is provided a photodetector means and illuminating means directed toward the photodetector means. A carrier means is disposed between the illuminating means and the photodetector means, the carrier means having a plurality of substantially parallel elongated projections on the surface thereof. Each projection has an optical characteristic (transmissivity or reflectivity) representing the density characteristic of the slice of the object as measured at a particular relative rotational angle. A mask means is disposed between the illuminating means and the photodetector, the mask means comprising a plurality of cycles of a substantially sinusoidally shaped pattern of varying amplitude. Means are provided for moving the carrier means and the mask means with respect to each other.