TRICALS
A partnership for progress
In October 2020, the Alan Davidson Foundation committed £1,020,000 to funding a major, research project in collaboration with King’s College London and the University of Sheffield, alongside the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation (MN5D). This partnership fully funds Ireland and seven additional UK sites, enabling TRICALS—Europe’s largest MND research initiative—to expand access to clinical trials and support the global search for an MND cure. This significant collaboration is already underway and represents a crucial investment in improving ALS treatment development and patient participation across Europe.
What is TRICALS?
TRICALS (The Trialogue for ALS project) is a European research network dedicated to finding effective treatments for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). With over 60 top research centres spanning 19 countries, TRICALS has become the largest collaborative initiative for ALS in Europe. The ultimate goal of TRICALS is clear: To find a cure for ALS. By leveraging the collective expertise of researchers, patient organizations, and funding partners, TRICALS aims to overcome the significant challenges in ALS treatment development, making a lasting difference for those living with the disease.
Alan Davidson Foundation’s impact
The Alan Davidson Foundation has made a critical contribution to the TRICALS project by funding seven UK sites and Ireland. This ensures that patients across these regions can participate in pivotal clinical trials. By covering the costs of these sites, the Foundation is expanding access to cutting-edge ALS research, allowing more patients to contribute to the search for new treatments. Through this support, the Foundation is also helping TRICALS centres recruit and support patients, further accelerating the global fight against ALS.
Improving access to trials
Accessing clinical trials for ALS patients remains one of the greatest challenges in ALS treatment research. For many, participation in a trial is seen as a last hope for treatment. TRICALS recognizes this emotional and personal journey and strives to make clinical trials as accessible as possible.
TRICALS has positioned itself as a trusted partner for pharma and biotech companies developing new ALS treatments. By advising on trial protocols and ensuring ALS expertise is integrated into trial design, TRICALS ensures that TRICALS centres are included in newly designed trials, making them more accessible to patients.
The TRICALS website offers a comprehensive overview of active clinical trials across Europe, detailing how patients can participate. This centralized platform simplifies the process for patients, providing clear guidance and up-to-date information.
The TRICALS registry: Empowering patients and advancing research
A key feature of TRICALS is its dedicated patient registry, which enables ALS patients to subscribe and receive early alerts about new trials. This registry allows patients to stay informed and engaged, ensuring they are among the first to know about opportunities to participate in new studies. The registry also plays a critical role in advancing research. TRICALS regularly collects data on patient well-being through questionnaires, which are used in scientific research to better understand ALS, its progression, and the potential effectiveness of new treatments.
