Through our innovative Neuromine platform, we harness one of the world’s largest troves of multi-omics data from diverse participants, paired with matching biosamples and patient-derived iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cell) lines. This unique combination provides researchers with both the digital and the biological tools needed to uncover biomarkers, identify risk factors, and test potential therapies in patient-relevant models.
By sharing these resources transparently, fostering inclusive partnerships, and empowering those affected by ALS, we are creating an unprecedented ecosystem for discovery. Answer ALS is committed to transforming the fight against this devastating disease, ensuring no one faces it alone, and ensuring that the insights of today become the treatments of tomorrow.
Origin and Vision
Answer ALS was born from a bold idea at the 2013 ALS Team Gleason Summit: to create not just a research project, but a strategic business plan to give ALS research around the world a solid foundation for accelerated discovery. Inspired and led by Steve Gleason, a former NFL player living with ALS, the Summit brought together leading researchers, patients, caregivers, and advocates to reimagine what was possible.
Within a year, that vision took shape as a coordinated, data-driven roadmap and became what is now Answer ALS. It was accomplished by uniting dozens of institutions, organizations, and individuals, all committed to working together to transform the future of ALS research.
Funding and Impact
Answer ALS was launched with the leadership and early support of Jay Fishman, former Chairman and CEO of The Travelers Companies, who sought the most aggressive, results-driven approach to ALS research after his diagnosis. His vision—backed by the Leandro P. Rizzuto Foundation’s ALS Finding a Cure project—helped rapidly operationalize the initiative.
He was soon joined by Peter Warlick, a senior executive at American Airlines, who founded Aviators Against ALS and rallied the aviation community to raise millions in support of open-access ALS research.
Their collective momentum was further strengthened by Ed Rapp, former Group President at Caterpillar, who now serves as Chair of the Answer ALS Advisory Board, helping guide its growth and impact.
Together, despite their ALS diagnoses, these three leaders have shaped a platform that provides researchers around the world with open access to one of the most comprehensive ALS datasets ever assembled, accelerating discovery and delivering hope.
“In simple terms, we’re building the haystack and using analytics, AI, and emerging technologies to find the needles – the genetic subgroups and pathways that drive ALS”
— Ed Rapp, Answer ALS Advisory Board Chair, Former Caterpillar Group President, and person living with ALS
Partnerships and Global Reach
Today, our partners and supporters include ALS Finding a Cure, American Airlines, Microsoft, the NFL, Gates Ventures, Stay Strong vs ALS, Aviators Against ALS, Caterpillar, the ALS Association, AbbVie, the Fishman Family, Travelers, the Alzheimer’s Disease Data Initiative, MDA, Azure, and many more.
With teams based in New Orleans, LA, and Washington, D.C., Answer ALS leverages a global network of researchers, advocates, and supporters all united in our mission to defeat ALS. We continue to partner with larger data initiatives around the world, openly sharing our datasets through the Neuromine Data Portal to amplify collective discovery efforts, fuel data challenges, and contribute to the success of broader research ecosystems.
Data & Technology
Multi-Omnics Analysis
IPS Cells & Motor Neurons
Clinic & enrollment